Robert Wikel Obituary

Robert E. Wikel

Dec 27, 1933 - Apr 13, 2026

Milan

On a very cold December 27, 1933, a baby was born in a little brick house on Mudbrook Road in Milan Township. To encourage the baby to take his first breath, frost from the window was used. The baby was named Robert Edward Wikel, son of Ann H. Knopp and George Edward Wikel. Young Bob grew up on this farm helping his grandfather. He graduated from Milan public school, where he was active in FFA, and later earned a business degree from the Oberlin School of Commerce in 1953.

Robert received an honorable discharge from the US Army, Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, DC, on July 1, 1954, as a result of a collapsed lung. Robert joined his father, hauling milk from farmers to dairies and maintaining the equipment. He took over management of Wikel Milk Cartage in 1968, when his father died. The name was changed to Wikel Bulk Express, Inc. in 1970, to reflect the wider range of products hauled throughout the United States and Canada. The company has been operated by the same family in Milan Township for 96 years. Bob was proud that Wikel Bulk Express was able to provide employment to this area and for the future. A later terminal was established in Vandalia, Ohio, along with other entities, Wikel Storage Solutions, Great Lakes Insulators, and Milan Distributing Inc.

Robert served for four years on the board of directors of National Tank Truck Carriers Inc. and was a founding member of the Ohio Trucking Association. He was elected for three four-year terms on the Milan Village Council and served on the zoning board of appeals. He was a trustee of the Milan Historical Museum for 13 years. A 40-year member of the American Legion, a 68-year member of Erie Lodge 239 FAM in Milan, and a 68-year member of the Huron Chapter 7 Royal Arch Mason in Norwalk, as well as a charter member of the Milan Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed walks, fishing, ships, bowling, and sponsored a bowling team for many years. Bob helped many individuals and organizations anonymously during his lifetime.

When Robert was 12 years old, he met a little girl at his cousin's home. Robert gave her a box of candy. It was again at this cousin's wedding that he saw that girl, Joan Boss. He was then 22 years old, and she was 20. They married six months later on June 9, 1956. They were two months shy of celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. In later years, Robert found the thank-you letter she had written him for that box of candy. The secret of their marriage was respect for each other. The marriage produced sons Robert Jr. (Marcia), Mark (Judy), Russ (Denise), and a daughter, Martha Ann (Rudy Ruiz). Grandchildren, Amanda (Jason Strum), Zachary Wikel, and Christina Ruiz. Great-grandsons Jacob and Dylan Strum, and also cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Anna K Wikel and daughter-in-law Judy (Miller) Wikel.

Those wishing to contribute to Robert's memory may do so to their favorite charity.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with an additional hour of visitation taking place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m. at Groff Funeral Home, 1 South Main St., Milan. Burial to follow at Milan Cemetery.