It is with heavy hearts we share that Robert Eldridge Leberak, age 86, left his earthly home peacefully on October 03, 2026. Bob was born on May 20, 1940, in Waupun, to the late Eldridge and Dorothy Leberak. He proudly served six years in the United States Navy. The final journey of Bob's life was at home. His wife of thirty-six years, honored Bob, by giving him the best care a loving spouse deserved. That blessed day started, June 9, 1990, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Two Rivers.

Bob was known to be a unique person in so many ways. A loving husband, father, grand-father, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin. A man who would only speak kind words about anyone. He was never afraid to be exactly who he was. His sense of humor brightened the world of many.

Spending time with the people he loved gave him a warm hearted memory to cherish. Simple things in life that meant the most to him; spending time at a park, zoo, riverfront, while sharing a picnic lunch that was prepared with love from the love of his life.

Bob was a man who was never afraid of work, served his country proudly, was gifted with endless talents. He never boasted, only gave and shared with everyone he knew. Without saying, the support from family and friends was endless. Bob was truly surrounded by love and the memories of an incredible life his loving Jesus gave him. What a beautiful legacy he leaves for all to cherish.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Rogene, son Robert; daughter Michelle (Trevor) Gough; daughter Marianne Koerner; brothers-in-law; Joseph Buenzow (special friend Marilyn); Roger Buenzow and sister-in-law Marge; eight grandchildren; Megan, Erin, Willow, Christopher, Lucas, Ally, Vanessa and Madilyn; great-grandchildren; Dahllia, Walter, Eli, Eda Rose and Louisa Mae. His extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, special friends, friends and the many people whose lives crossed paths during Bob's 86 years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; Eldridge and Dorothy Leberak; one sister Shirley and brother-in-law Neil Lang; father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles and Violet Bunzow; sister-in-law Mary Jane Buenzow. Kathy Buenzow, aunts, uncles, nephew and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Arogya Prashanth Gade. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 88 of Manitowoc. Following services, a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the church. Inurnment to take place, at a later date, at Knollwood Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, Manitowoc.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

"As Robert often said, 'The best is yet to come' We hold onto these words as we celebrate his incredible journey and the love he shared with us all."

Remember Bob not for his life ending, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing.

I was the voice you heard from the fishing boat, or from the studio of WCUB. Thank you for the many years of being great listeners; your friend always, "Lee Berry."

I was the famous "Old Joe," from the Christmas Carol. Only one area of my many theater experiences I shared throughout Manitowoc; city and county.

The amazing people who traveled my medical journey of life. Thank you all for your knowledge, comfort and cares. Your healing hands always gave me hope; Dr. Robert Gahl, Dr. Richard Timmons, Dr. Matthias Fuchs, Dr. Sean McAdams and Dr. Chitra Bhosekar. For the staff at the many clinics, hospitals and rehab centers will always be remembered for their special touch. The final touching hands from Heartland Hospice brought peace for everyone.

Finally, I cannot forget the support given to me by my special friends; Fr. Dave Beaudry, Gerard and Susanna Kane, Tom and Denise Davidson, James and Kay Meyer, Michael and Sue Mleziva, Michael and Sue Coleman, John and Rita Kreeger and Bobby Amsden.