04/15/2026
Robert “Bob” Joseph Wikander, age 85, of the Bethlehem Community, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family at home.
Born May 5, 1940, in Union County, New Jersey, Bob lived a life defined by unwavering integrity, honorable character, and steadfast loyalty. He was a man who led not only with strength and conviction, but with a servant’s heart and a deep, abiding faith. Bob loved with his whole heart—fully, selflessly, and unconditionally. That love was evident in every aspect of his life.
Bob was the owner of Sterling Industries in Cranford, New Jersey, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and principled leadership. After retiring, he devoted his time to his family, church, and serving others. In his personal life, he found great joy in boating, piloting small aircrafts, and fishing. He was never one to do anything halfway, so his love of flying led him to become a pilot, and his passion for fishing placed him at the helm as captain of his boat. That was simply who he was—deeply passionate in every pursuit, big or small.
A faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Bob was a pillar of the congregation and a passionate leader of the mission team. Through his leadership, he coordinated the construction of a church in West Virgina. Together with his “Sweetie” they packed hundreds of backpacks for Appalachian Backpacks for NC Baptists efforts, and he established a sustainable missions fund that continues to support local outreach, benevolence efforts, and international mission trips to places like Egypt and Guatemala. He also served on mission in Haiti and was always willing to help those in need, ensuring that Christ was shared in both word and action. His life was a testimony of faith in action—humble, generous, and impactful in ways too numerous to fully capture. Whether serving on the mission field or working with his hands, Bob gave his best; he could fix nearly anything or build with remarkable precision, using those talents to serve and teach others while reflecting the example of Jesus the carpenter. On the morning of April 13, Bob entered into eternal rest and, no doubt, was greeted with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a proud and deeply cherished grandfather. His presence was steady and reassuring, his wisdom freely given, and his love a constant source of strength for those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Croushore Wikander; his children, Robert J. Wikander, Jr. (Gina) of Hickory, Renee Lettieri (Keith) of Clark, New Jersey, Leslie Freling (Chuck) of Hillsborough, New Jersey, and Gretchen Jarvis (Royal) of Taylorsville, North Carolina; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Melissa, Abigail, Zachary, Nicholas, Robert, Rebecca, Chandler, Lauren, and Julia.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Dean Chambers. Inurnment will be with the family.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church Missions or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Robert “Bob” Joseph Wikander.
