Robert Mater

It is with great disbelief and saddened hearts that Bob Mater passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 after a courageous 2 year long battle with cancer. He was born January 20, 1953 in Milwaukee WI to Abraham and Betty Jane (Leonard) Mater, but lived in the Green Bay Area most of his life.
After being honorably discharged from the Army in January 1973 he began a 40+ year welding/pipe fitting career to include underwater welding oil rigs in the gulf as well as maritime shipbuilding in NE WI. He more recently took advantage of the Dakota oil field boom as an independent welding/pipe fitter contractor and finally being employed at Marinette Marine before being stricken by cancer.
Bob was an avid scuba diver in his early to middle aged years achieving a master diver and teacher certification logging over 300 open water dives. We all remember when he was underwater welding on a rig in the gulf out of Galveston in the early 80's when his life line became entangled with a manta ray, giving him one heck of a ride! You would think he would of retired from such a high risk occupation when coming so close to death! But he didn't! He stayed at it for another 2 years before coming home!
In addition to diving he was also an avid gun enthusiast to include hunting, match competition, sporting clay, target shooting and reloading every ammo under the sun!
Bob also enjoyed writing lyrics, singing and playing his guitar. As He was the 'Guitar Man'! He enjoyed entertaining and helping others, always lending a hand and volunteering his time to everyone he could. He was the best friend you could ever imagine having! He will be so dearly missed by anyone who ever knew him!
Bob is survived by his brother Joe (Sue) Kostecki, sister Amy Knippenberg, brother-in-law John Knippenberg, nephew Randy (Alyssa) Kellogg and their children Maisy, Ava and a baby expected 9-21-16! Aunt Joyce and Uncle Roger Strand, former spouse/friend Mary Quarters, stepson Chris and step grandson Evan, nephews and niece Mike, Jon and Sue Kalfas. And his long-time best friends Joe and Linda Sabah!
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Jerry Kalfas and niece Jamie Kellogg.
Bob did not wish to have a public funeral, he preferred an intimate family and friends gathering to celebrate his life that will be determined at a later date.
Lastly, the family would like to thank everyone who helped Bob throughout his challenges the last 2 years, to include the very caring staff of doctors, nurses and CNA's at St Mary's, St Vincent's and Unity Hospice Services.