Robert Archacki, 79, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at his home in Caledonia, Wisconsin, following a biking accident that rendered him unresponsive. In 2025, Robert chose to forgo further cancer treatments. For over a year, he received compassionate home care from Hospice Alliance, allowing him to remain active and engaged in the activities he loved, including biking.

Born in Milwaukee in September 1946 to Edward and Jane Archacki, Robert was the second of two children, following his sister Judith, born in January 1941. The family moved to Caledonia in 1955, where Robert attended Caddy Vista Elementary, Jerstad-Agerholm Junior High, and graduated from Horlick High School. He then joined the Air Force, serving as an aircraft mechanic at bases in the United States and Panama.

Robert dedicated many years to his work as a precision machinist at Gormac Products. In retirement, he found joy in Brewers baseball games, photography, cooking, fishing, music, picnics, backyard bonfires with friends and family, and riding his electric bicycle on nearby trails. His green thumb was evident in the beauty of his native flower gardens and his vibrant vegetable garden, which flourished with colorful varieties such as red okra and purple green beans. Everyone who knew Robert cherished his passion for photography, capturing the beauty of nature- from the delicacy of flowers to elusive wildlife and the majesty of coastal sunrises.

A devoted follower of Meher Baba since the early 1970s, Robert traveled frequently to The Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His spiritual journey, which included two pilgrimages to the Samadhi shrine of Meher Baba in Meherabad, Maharashtra, India, deeply enriched his life and the lives of those close to him.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sister, brother-in-law Kenneth Ihasz, daughter Allison Elsmo Archacki (who passed away in infancy), best friend Art Grau, ex-wife Linda Hale, and partner Carol Olson.

He is survived by his niece Sue (John) Zilke, step-children Adam Olson and Keiyra Zaied, grandchildren Sophia Olson and Eliyas Zaied, and great-nieces and great-nephew Amanda, Emily, and Josh (Becca) Zilke.

Robert's family will host a celebration of Robert's life on September 24th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at The DeKoven Center, Taylor Hall, 2000 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin 53403. Please bring a photograph, story, or memory to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Public Radio at npr.org/donations or The Meher Spiritual Center at mehercenter.org/donate.

Robert's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, reminding us to enjoy the beauty of life and celebrate the loving connections we share.