Robert T. Talaska

Robert Thomas Talaska of Hartland, Wisconsin, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 85. 

Bob was born on October 16, 1939, in Ironwood, Michigan. He attended Norrie Grade School and L.L. Wright High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the Army. He spent time in Korea and served from 1957 to 1960. 

Bob worked as a ski patrol at White Cap Mountain before moving to Milwaukee in 1961 to work as an inspector for Wisconsin Motors until 1982. He did accounting work for a small business from 1982 until his retirement in 1999. 

Bob married Betty (Hartung) Dolenshek in 1978. They lived in North Lake until moving to their current home in Hartland in 1985. Following their retirement in 1999, Bob and Betty enjoyed country line dancing and spending winters at their 2nd home in Lake Havasu, Arizona. When back in Wisconsin, one of Bob’s greatest joys was traveling the country racing with his son Bill and grandson Cory as they progressed from Go Karts to Circle Track Pavement Legends cars. Bob was an integral part of Cory’s successful racing program that continues today in the Formula Drift Series. 

Bob is survived by his wife Betty Talaska, son William Talaska, grandson Cory Talaska, and siblings Louise (Larry) Buerger, Katherine Pirlot, Kenneth (Tracey) Talaska, and Jean (Charles) Gallow. He is further survived by step-children David Dolenshek, Diane (Ryan) Molitor, Randall (Julie) Dolenshek, grandchildren Jordan (Lauren) Dolenshek, Taylor (Joshua) Carow, Logan Dolenshek, Marley Molitor, and great-grandchildren Everly and Luke Dolenshek and Lucy Carow. He was preceded in death by parents Edward and Annette (Erickson) Talaska and son Robert “Bobby” Talaska. 

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.