Robert (Bob) Wikoff, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on November 1, 2021, at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA, after a 2½ year battle with cancer.
Bob was the third of three sons, born on June 3, 1939, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to John and Edith Wikoff. He spent most of his childhood years in various cities in Oregon, before moving, as a young adult, to Yakima, Washington. Bob and his wife Barbara began their life together in Yakima and had two children. They were married for 52 years before her passing in 2013. He graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After a brief stint in the Army, Bob worked as an Operations Manager for Libby Foods, before settling in Oakdale, California as a Field Administrator for Hunt Wesson Foods in 1972. In 2000, Bob retired, and spent the remainder of his years as co-owner and bookkeeper for Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
Bob was a devout Christian and devoted his life to community service and helping others. His church family and friends were especially dear to his heart. He attended the Oakdale Christian Church where he served as a church elder and board member for 49 years, as well as serving on regional committees and boards for the Northern California Disciples of Christ Ministries.
He loved golf and sports of all kinds and was a member of the OGCC for over 40 years. Bob was an avid Oregon Ducks fan, as well as a fan of the NY Yankees, LA Rams and LA Lakers. His love for sports continued at the local level, as he was a member of the OHS Quarterback and Dugout Clubs and attended many games. Most importantly, he was a proud dad and grandpa and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in their various sports activities.
Bob loved the Oakdale area and demonstrated that love by serving as an Oakdale City Council board member before becoming the Mayor of Oakdale. He was also a member of Toastmasters International, the United Way, the Emergency Food and Harvest Shelter, and served on many other county committees and boards. Additionally, Bob was a member of the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, where he earned the title “Citizen of the Year” in 1995.
Oak Valley Hospital was also very important to Bob. He served both as a hospital and Foundation board member, as a member of ACHD, and was instrumental in building the new hospital.
Kiwanis played a huge role in his life as well. Bob was a member and served on the Kiwanis Club of Oakdale board for many years. His hard work and dedication awarded him the position as Lieutenant Governor of Division 46, prior to being elected Governor of the Cal-Nev-Ha District. Where there was a need, Bob was always there to lend a hand. He was loved and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his brother, Fred Wikoff of Eugene, Oregon, his son Steve Wikoff and his wife Annamaria, his daughter Sheryl Wikoff-Silva, and his four grandchildren, Robby, Gregory, Christopher and Carly, all of Oakdale.
There will be a Memorial Service in his honor at Oakdale Christian Church on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Oakdale Christian Church the morning of the service. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in Bob’s name, payable to the Kiwanis Family House, c/o Steve Wikoff or Sheryl Wikoff-Silva, P.O. Box 21, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Nov. 17, 2021
Bob was the third of three sons, born on June 3, 1939, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to John and Edith Wikoff. He spent most of his childhood years in various cities in Oregon, before moving, as a young adult, to Yakima, Washington. Bob and his wife Barbara began their life together in Yakima and had two children. They were married for 52 years before her passing in 2013. He graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After a brief stint in the Army, Bob worked as an Operations Manager for Libby Foods, before settling in Oakdale, California as a Field Administrator for Hunt Wesson Foods in 1972. In 2000, Bob retired, and spent the remainder of his years as co-owner and bookkeeper for Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
Bob was a devout Christian and devoted his life to community service and helping others. His church family and friends were especially dear to his heart. He attended the Oakdale Christian Church where he served as a church elder and board member for 49 years, as well as serving on regional committees and boards for the Northern California Disciples of Christ Ministries.
He loved golf and sports of all kinds and was a member of the OGCC for over 40 years. Bob was an avid Oregon Ducks fan, as well as a fan of the NY Yankees, LA Rams and LA Lakers. His love for sports continued at the local level, as he was a member of the OHS Quarterback and Dugout Clubs and attended many games. Most importantly, he was a proud dad and grandpa and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in their various sports activities.
Bob loved the Oakdale area and demonstrated that love by serving as an Oakdale City Council board member before becoming the Mayor of Oakdale. He was also a member of Toastmasters International, the United Way, the Emergency Food and Harvest Shelter, and served on many other county committees and boards. Additionally, Bob was a member of the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, where he earned the title “Citizen of the Year” in 1995.
Oak Valley Hospital was also very important to Bob. He served both as a hospital and Foundation board member, as a member of ACHD, and was instrumental in building the new hospital.
Kiwanis played a huge role in his life as well. Bob was a member and served on the Kiwanis Club of Oakdale board for many years. His hard work and dedication awarded him the position as Lieutenant Governor of Division 46, prior to being elected Governor of the Cal-Nev-Ha District. Where there was a need, Bob was always there to lend a hand. He was loved and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his brother, Fred Wikoff of Eugene, Oregon, his son Steve Wikoff and his wife Annamaria, his daughter Sheryl Wikoff-Silva, and his four grandchildren, Robby, Gregory, Christopher and Carly, all of Oakdale.
There will be a Memorial Service in his honor at Oakdale Christian Church on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Oakdale Christian Church the morning of the service. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in Bob’s name, payable to the Kiwanis Family House, c/o Steve Wikoff or Sheryl Wikoff-Silva, P.O. Box 21, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Nov. 17, 2021
