Robert Michael Dahms, a frequent winter visitor to Lake Havasu, Arizona, passed away at the age of 75 on Friday, October 16, 2026, at his home in Pickerel, Wisconsin. He was under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice at the time of his death. Mr. Dahms, born on July 16, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a son of Leonard and Cecelia (Krueger) Dahms.
A graduate of Menomonee Falls High School, class of 1969, Robert Dahms married Judy (Vandehey) Ebert on June 16, 2001, whom he described as the love of his life.
Mr. Dahms built a long career as a mechanic, initially working alongside his brothers, Bud and Dale. He later served at Wayne’s Standard in Menomonee Falls. In 1974, he relocated to Antigo, Wisconsin, where he established his own business, Bob’s Standard Station. He dedicated many years to his station before retiring in 2009.
Beyond his professional life, Robert Dahms was an active member of his community in Wisconsin. He was a congregant of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pickerel and held membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662 in Antigo.
Throughout his life, Mr. Dahms pursued a variety of hobbies and adventures. He found joy in hunting, fishing, golfing, and shooting pool. Some of his most cherished memories were created at the hunting cabin, spent with family. A particular highlight for him was vacationing in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he consistently looked forward to spending the winter months. His passions also extended to collector cars, and he treasured his time spent around stock car racing. Occasionally, he enjoyed trying his luck at casinos. Above all, Robert Dahms deeply cherished time with his grandchildren and took immense pride in attending their sporting events.
Those who knew Robert Dahms often remarked on his special gift for making everyone he met feel important and welcome. His warmth, easygoing nature, and memorable personality left a lasting impression. Reflecting his perspective on life, his favorite saying was, “It is what it is.” These words embodied his ability to embrace life as it came, a quality that will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Robert Dahms is survived by his beloved wife, Judy. He is also survived by his four children: Bobbie (Dan) Bastle of Pickerel, Rebecca (Tracy) Tatro of Antigo, Benjamin (Amy) Dahms of Eau Claire, and Bridget Dahms of Antigo. His legacy continues through his two step-children: Jessica (fiancé Mark Haney) Justman of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Chaz (Lauren) Ebert of Bogart, Georgia.
He was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Robert (fiancé Alyssa Van Ess) Bastle of Weston, Emily (fiancé Dylan Sharkey) Bastle of Antigo, Luke (Emma Beck) Bastle of Pickerel, Brady (fiancé Travis Pluim) Tatro of Stoughton, Avery Tatro of Antigo, Sophia Dahms of Eau Claire, Theresa Dahms of Eau Claire, William Taylor (Amya Seidler) of Antigo, Karter Taylor of Antigo, Leland Paffrath of Monico, Dax Justman of Richmond Hill, Georgia, Anna Ebert of Bogart, Georgia, and Ella Ebert of Bogart, Georgia. Additionally, he is survived by three step-grandchildren: Mckenzie (Troy) Nonnenmacher of Antigo, Nicalus (Katie Godding) Tatro of Stoughton, and Jacob (Kim) Tatro of Twentynine Palms, California. Two great-grandchildren, West and Takoda Taylor, also survive him.
Further survivors include his two sisters, Mary Fay of Menomonee Falls and Virginia (Robert) Wierman of Chippewa Falls, as well as four sisters-in-law: Connie Schroepfer, Shirley Smith, Vicki Hendricks, and Mary Vandehey. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Jerry Mike Powell, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mr. Dahms was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Cecelia Dahms, and his step-father, Art Stefan. He was also preceded by his father- and mother-in-law, Gerry and Thelma Vandehey. His brothers, Leonard and Dale Dahms, and sister, Lois Pfaff, also preceded him in death. Other family members who passed before him include brothers-in-law Julius Pfaff, Mike Fay, Bill Vandehey, Don Smith, Tom Schroepfer, and Dick Hendricks, along with sisters-in-law Nancy and Maggie Dahms, and a nephew, Richard Pfaff.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pickerel, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. During this time, an Elks Lodge of Sorrow will be held at 5 p.m., followed by a parish wake at 6 p.m. An additional visitation will be held on Monday at the church, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Pickerel. Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
