Robert J. Welnetz, age 78, a Manitowoc resident, entered eternal life on Sunday evening, August 27, 2017 at Tender Reflections Assisted Living in Manitowoc.

Bob was born on April 17, 1939 in Wakefield, Michigan. He was the son of the late Anthony and Julia Desonia Welnetz. Bob was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. He entered the United States Army and did work in photography with the military's Atomic Energy Commission. After his honorable discharge he returned to Manitowoc. Bob had a long time interest in photography from early ages on and when he returned to Manitowoc from the Army he established Welnetz Studio which he owned and operated until he retired in 2002. On May 1, 1965 he married Ruth A. Zipperer at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Maple Grove. Bob was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Professional Photographer Association, Manitowoc Noon Rotary Club, Manitowoc Zoological Society, and was active with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Bob enjoyed and had a long time interest in cutting, polishing, and making jewelry from rocks.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Ruth; three children: Dan (Patty) Welnetz, Manitowoc; Christopher Welnetz, Savannah, Georgia; Theresa (John) Reimer, Two Rivers; six grandchildren: Brianna, Abby, and Nicholas Welnetz; Derek, Brayden, and Drew Reimer; two brothers: Donald (Barb) Welnetz, Manitowoc; James (Bev) Welnetz, Francis Creek; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Anthony and Julia Welnetz; and one sister and brother-in-law: Joyce and Richard Schroeder.

Memorial services will be held 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. Following the funeral service there will be a luncheon held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Burial of the cremated remains will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Manitowoc at a later date. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Crematory and Chapel, Manitowoc.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.