Roberta Ann Akalin
October 21, 1945 -
March 11, 2016
Roberta Ann Akalin, age 70, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, following a 5 month battle will multiple illnesses.
Born on October 21, 1945, in Fond du Lac, WI, she was the daughter of the late Emil J. and Teresa C. (Thill) Steiner. At the age of 13, Roberta entered the School Sisters of St. Francis at St. Joseph’s Convent in Milwaukee. When she was 26, she left the convent, as God had other plans for her. Through the convent, she received her BA from Alverno College and a Master’s Degree from Winona State University.
On February 7, 1976, Roberta was united in marriage to Semsettin Akalin in Kenosha. They were blessed with one son and celebrated their 40th anniversary this past February.
Roberta had a lengthy teaching career and was currently employed with KUSD as a school counselor with Bullen Middle School. She also taught and mentored children from numerous other Kenosha schools throughout her career. In 2005, Roberta was honored with the KUSD Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Education. She also taught summer courses at UW-Parkside for their pre-college program.
Roberta was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Wisconsin Education Association, Wisconsin School Counselor Association, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, Semsettin; their son, Fahri; three sisters, Romaine E. (Marvin “Rick” Kujawa) Soles, Rogene M. (Albert) Kais and Rosalie J. Slomski; two nephews, Jacob (RaeAnne) Soles and Tad J. Slomski and two nieces, Esther “Susie” Soles and Tanya M. (Cliff) Miller.
In addition to her parents, Roberta was preceded in death by a brother, Gerard Steiner and two brothers-in-law, Jerdan M. Soles and Anthony J. Slomski.
Service Info
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016, beginning with a prayer service at 11:15 a.m. from the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave., Kenosha, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 NOON at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7117-14th Avenue. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Cemetery.
Posted by:
LizMrs. Akalin was the absolute best person and the most caring I’ve ever met. She got me through and probably never knew it. I had a dream about her and thought I should try to find her to let her know how she helped me and how appreciative I am to have had her in my life. 20+ years later and I still think about her and am thankful. We are blessed to have known her.
Posted by:
Paul Moses - Sterling Heights, MichiganRoberta was Dean of Students at Lance Junior High School when we first met back in 1976. She was a newlywed and I was in my first year of teaching. The school building was well above capacity and Roberta had the heart, mind, spirit, sense of humor, and keen wit to deal with the challenges and excitement that each new day brought. Throughout the ensuing decades, many students benefited from her personal talents, skills, abilities, and gentle understanding. Her life was one of loving service to others. Now she knows - fully and completely - the healing, saving power of God's love, mercy, and goodness.
Posted by:
Floyd and Gidget AsonwhaOur sympathy and love to Fahri and family on the passing of Roberta. We will miss our wonderful friend, a gifted, brilliant and giving professional counselor and walking example of a person that improved the human condition for so many. Certainly for more than we’ll ever know due to her selfless approach to helping anyone who came her way.
Posted by:
Joanne RelichMy deepest sympathy to all the family. Roberta was a counselor I knew had the best interest and concern for the students she worked with. I always knew she would be there to understand and help with the placement of students in either Homebound tutoring program for district students unable to attend school or the School Age Parent Program at Reuther. Just know how much I appreciated Roberta and God bless you all at this difficult time.
Posted by:
Joanne SchwobeTonight I recognized a smiling face from my childhood. My sincere sympathy to the Steiner sisters. I have fond memories of growing up down the road. May loving memories replace your loss and bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. Condolences from the Schwobe family
Posted by:
Mary FlierlExtending deep and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Roberta. She will be missed as a sister of Delta Kappa Gamma. Mary Flierl
Posted by:
Sue DuganRoberta did a lot of things that touched my life. She was a great advocate of teen parents in this city, encouraging them to attend programs that would help them and their children to succeed. She also personally helped our daughter succeed from being a CCD teacher to counselor. She also helped our daughter become the teacher she is today by helping with her portfolio. In the words of our daughter she was a great woman.
Posted by:
orlando gutierrezMy thoughts and prayers go out to the alkaline family I had mrs akalin at lance jr high . She was my favorite she showed me such kindness . She will be sadly missed hands down best person in kusd Yours truly orlando gutierrez call of 84
Posted by:
Kathy LusiakMy deepest sympathy to Roberta's family. Roberta was my son's counselor about 17 years ago. She was wonderful advocate for students. The kids were so very lucky to have her in their corner. I ran into her quite often at the KEA in following years, she was always a pleasure to talk to. Roberta was so very special, and will be sadly missed by many.
Posted by:
Roberta GalleyRoberta Akalin was one of the kindest, most caring & loving woman I ever had the pleasure of knowing. She cared so much for all of her students and without her, I am sure many of them would have fallen through the cracks and not graduated. She was one of a kind. She impacted the lives of so many kids during her career, and she will be missed by all who were honored to have their lives touched by her. My sympathy to your family Mrs. Akalin. You surely touched my life, and I will never forget you for it. The Other Roberta
Posted by:
Meg WolfersI am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with Roberta during the years she supported Tremper students attending my after school AIS class at Reuther. Not only did she always make time to listen to my concerns about students as well as share their achievements with me, she, by her words and her actions, demonstrated to the students how much she cared for them and wanted for them to be successful. She truly made a positive difference in peoples' lives, and we will miss her greatly.
Posted by:
RaeAnne SolesAlthough I can't be there with Jacob, my heart is with all of you as you celebrate Aunt Roberta's life. I wish you all peace as you say good-bye to her physical being and hope that you all see the signs that she sends from heaven in her spiritual life. She will be missed. I love you all.
Posted by:
Jeanne SchreiberI am fortunate that I had the pleasure of working with Roberta for a year at Bullen. She always shared her wealth of information and guidance with me, and she will truly be missed. Prayers are with the family for comfort.
Posted by:
Katherine AmannMy deepest sympathies for your loss. May she find eternal peace with our Lord.
Posted by:
Jennifer BurnsRoberta was a co-worker of my mom's and my daughter's counselor at Tremper. She had an amazing heart and incredible dedication to her students. She became my friend as well, and I know that she tried to make life better for thousands of people. She has left the Earth better than when she was born. I will miss her.
Posted by:
Sally OsengaRoberta was one of the most intelligent, caring, and supportive people I worked with in Kenosha. She was active on the legislative committee in Delta Kappa Gamma, which a group for women educators. She was loved by the community and will be missed by all. God has a special place in heaven for her.
Posted by:
Mary DurkeeRoberta was my son,s counselor at Tremper.. She was kind. Patient Kind and caring to her students. I don't feel my son would have graduated without her guidance.
Posted by:
Kate Dischler-NoreenRoberta Akalin was a fabulous human being who always put others before herself. Her mission in life was her love of others, especially students and their parents whom she quickly helped with overcoming obstacles to their success. Roberta will be greatly missed by ALL whom she touched. She will rest in peace.
