Roberta Lane Bollenbach (73) passed away November 29, 2023 after a long struggle with lung disease. Robie spent her final hours at home with her family. She was born on March 24, 1950 to John (Bob) & Lois Elkin. After many moves, the family settled in New Berlin, WI where she went on to graduate from high school.
Robie soon enjoyed her newly found friends and a career in the financial community. Robie met Gary Bollenbach at a local establishment and in May of 1976 they were married in a beautiful historic church in Middleton, WI. The church overlooked Gary’s modest family farm of three generations. Gary often said that it was where he developed his platform to guide him for his travels in life.
Gary’s career had taken him to New York where they spent their first two years as newlyweds. Then on to Florida for a couple more years, and finally putting down roots in North Prairie, WI. This is where they built a home on some acreage, tucked up adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. They remained there for thirty years. Robie eventually became a full-time mom and loved the rural life. She spent hours in her beautiful flower gardens and often walked their wooded trails with the girls by her side, enjoying nature’s beauty. She also lovingly participated in raising Gary’s son, Brett.
For thirty years, they owned a home on Jordan Lake, where family and friends gathered year around. Robie could not wait each week to head up north. She would watch from the deck as all the activities were going on. She would record all the memories of water skiing, boating, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and millions of campfires. They decided to move there permanently in 2010.
Robie’s loving care and support was the foundation for her family. She worked tirelessly maintaining the households, running the girls around and paying all the bills. More recently, she would enjoy as much time as she could with her 2 grandchildren.
She loved and was loved and now her work is done. In her final hours, she said she was ready to leave this world behind. It was time to meet the lord God and to find Jenna again – she left us at peace.
A life intertwined with love.
Robie is survived by her husband – Gary, Children – Jessica Berndt (Mike) of Waterford, WI and their children, Blake (14) and Lainey (12). Also, Jenna Bollenbach (Jenna passed on July 1, 2018 & is with us from heaven). Also, Brett Bollenbach of Middleton, WI, who joined the family as a toddler. She is also survived by her sisters: Minda (Jerry) Jewson, and Debra (Rick) Merkel. She is also survived by her brothers: Steve (Michele) Elkin, and John (Traci) Elkin. She was preceded in death by her mom (Lois) & dad (Bob) Elkin.
A memorial will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home (1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI) on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The service will follow at noon.
Please join us at 1:00 p.m. for a luncheon and celebration of Robie’s life at the Country Inn & Suites (1650 Doris Dr., Fort Atkinson, WI).
Discounted rooms are available.
At nitardyfuneralhome.com you will find a place to express your condolences as well.
