Robert Claude Piper, 77, Sobieski, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at a Green Bay hospital. The son of Colen and Doris (Mehlberg) Piper was born July 31, 1946, in Oconto.

Bob grew up in the Oconto Falls area and graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1964. Following high school, Bob worked at Northern Shoe in Pulaski for five years, where he met his future "bride", Mary Lou Pszanka. On September 16, 1967, he married Mary Lou at St. John Cantius Church in Sobieski. Bob worked as a millwright at Ft. Howard Paper Co. for over 35 years, until his retirement in 2004.

Bob was a longtime member of St. Maximilian Kolbe parish and, for the last 10 years, a member at St. Benedict Parish. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6764. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and woodworking. Bob loved polka music, dancing, and playing concertina.

Bob is survived by his loving bride of over 56 years, Mary Lou Piper, Sobieski; his three children: Lori (Scott Sr.) Smith, Krakow, Rob (Kristi) Piper, Sobieski, and Sheri Splan (John Boettcher), Hobart; 10 grandchildren: Dan (Michelle) Piper, Scotty Smith Jr., Preston (Lauren) Smith, Amber McVeigh, Jacob (Stephanie) Piper, Paiton Piper, Taigan Piper, Michael (Annika) Splan, Karli (Ryan) Paape, and Bryce Splan; four great-grandchildren: Bryker Piper-Beaumier, Khayleb McVeigh, Jayce Owens, and Nova Piper. He is further survived by a brother, Alvin (Mary) Piper; sister, Linda (Bill) Williquette; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Darlene (Norbie) Kleczka, Casey (Yvonne) Pszanka, Debbie (Steve) Golik, Pam (Ken) Rosenberg, and Anita (Randy) Ruch; his companion, Jax; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Colen and Doris and in-laws, Casey and Mary Pszanka.

Friends are invited to gather with family at St. Benedict Church, 3370 Deerfield Ln., Suamico, from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 16. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. Demosthenes Olaso presiding. Burial will be in St. John Cantius Cemetery, Sobieski.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay and the Unity Hospice Team for the care and compassion given to Bob.

Online condolences may be offered to the Piper family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.