Robert (Bob) Vlahakis of Rhinelander, Wisconsin passed away peacefully amidst his family at home on Crescent Lake, November 21st, 2012. Robert was born January 5, 1934, in Ashland, WI. He was the oldest of three children born to the late Peter and Verna Vlahakis (Greenshield). Bob grew up with his brother Mike, and sister Lana in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The three siblings were introduced to the business world at an early age as they worked at the Rhinelander Café, a restaurant established by the Vlahakis family in 1911. Bob attended Central Elementary and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1951. Although Bob worked very hard in the family business, he made sure to make time for extracurricular sports as a Hodag. In his four years as a Hodag, he excelled and achieved many championships in several sports to include Tennis, Basketball and Football. After high school graduation Bob attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, majoring in Business Administration. In 1954 – 1955, Robert served his country in the United States Army for the Korean War. When he returned from service he attended the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Connecticut. Bob returned to Rhinelander to resume his duties as a restaurateur at the Rhinelander Café. Bob was a true entrepreneur who started many businesses with his brother Mike. Some of these ventures include but are not limited to; The Northern Pizza Company, The Black Steer, The Cloister, The Kings Inn (Eau Claire), The AmericInn, Culver’s Frozen Custard and Northstand Distributors. He served as the CEO of several corporations including The Rhinelander Café & Pub Inc., The Kemp Street Corporation and Vlahakis Enterprises Incorporated. On March 13, 1957, Robert married the love of his life, Carol Pearl Price of Rhinelander, WI. The couple lived in Rhinelander for several years and had two daughters (Tanya and Torri). Bob worked in the family restaurant, the Rhinelander Café while Carol worked for Ma Bell as a telephone operator. The couple enjoyed boating, skiing and spending time with family and friends on Crescent Lake. Bob and Carol moved to Eau Claire in 1966 where they worked together in the family restaurant, The Black Steer. They worked hard but made plenty of time for family activities. Bob and Carol purchased a horse ranch and were very active with their daughters showing Quarter Horses in the Tri-State area. Bob and Carol liked to travel and took time to take many wonderful trips together. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage and the love of their family until Carol passed away in 1990.
Bob is survived by his brother Mike Vlahakis (Patricia) of Rhinelander, his sister Lana of Chicago, Il, daughters Tanya (Patrick) Connors of New Lisbon, Torri (Charles) Gray, of Rothschild, Grandchildren Jessica Shawn, Jennifer Lee (Joshua) Clark, Ashley Marie Connors (Valera Smokvin), Elizabeth Gray and Charles (Buddy) Gray. Great Grand Children Taylor Rose and Connor Patrick.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Verna and Peter Vlahakis and wife Carol Vlahakis.
A family service was held at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. A memorial has been establish in Bob’s name and may be directed to the family. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence at hildebrandfh.com.
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