Robert F. “Bob” Uchner

Robert F. “Bob” Uchner, of the Town of Genesee, master stained-glass artist craftsman completed his final project and closed his studio doors to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center at the age of 69.

He was born in Wadena, MN, on Feb. 22, 1943 the son of Harold and Helen (nee Duchow) Uchner. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Special Forces from 1961 until 1964.

Bob began his career in 1964 at Conrad Schmitt Studios in Milwaukee and then went on to work at Conrad Pickel Studios in New Berlin where as a glass painter he had the opportunity to learn all the facets of the trade from some of the best craftsman in the country.  Following his three-year apprenticeship Bob began studying stained-glass design at the Fachhochschule in Krefeld, Germany, where at this university level school he received his bachelor and master degrees. With his extensive stained-glass experience he was able to secure the title of “Master Craftsman” through professor funders.

Following college, Bob returned to Waukesha where he opened his own studio, Uchner Studio in Saylesville. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons Waukesha Lodge No. 37, Waukesha Royal Arch Masons No. 37, Waukesha Council No. 29, Waukesha Commandry No. 23, Ivanhoe Commandry No. 24, the Juneau Lodge No. 21 Knights of Pythias and Badger State Lodge No. 11 Oddfellows.  He was also a member of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church.

He was the most loved husband of Shannon Ahrens of the Town of Genesee, dear brother of Faye Stroeh, Betty (Arnold) Hanninen, Jean (Don) Boche and Sharon (Tom) Andrie.  Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Harold and sister Joyce. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and Froedtert Memorial Hospital for their care.

A gathering will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012 from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. Masonic service followed by the religious memorial service all at , 2016 Center Road, Waukesha, WI 53189. Reverend David Zandt will preside. Full military honors will follow the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188 or to Helping Hands.  For further information, please call at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.