Heartbreak in Oak Creek: Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Thomas and Sharon Robe

Heartbreak in Oak Creek: Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Thomas and Sharon Robe

A wave of grief has swept over the close-knit Oak Creek community following the devastating deaths of Thomas and Sharon Robe, a cherished couple known for their warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to their family and neighbors. The couple tragically lost their lives in a car crash late Friday night in Marinette County, leaving behind a trail of sorrow, disbelief, and an outpouring of love from all who knew them.

According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the accident occurred when another driver allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign, violently colliding with the Robes’ vehicle. The impact of the crash was catastrophic, and despite emergency responders’ rapid arrival at the scene, both Thomas and Sharon were pronounced dead. The other driver was taken to the hospital with injuries, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Robes had long been considered pillars of the Oak Creek community. Married for over four decades, Thomas and Sharon were known for their enduring love, their infectious laughter, and their tireless commitment to making Oak Creek a better place for everyone. Whether volunteering at the local food pantry, mentoring young couples at their church, or organizing community clean-up days, their presence was a constant source of inspiration and stability.

“They were the kind of people who made you feel like everything was going to be okay, even on your worst day,” said longtime neighbor and friend, Carla Jensen. “You could always count on them—for a smile, a helping hand, or just a kind word.”

Thomas Robe, 68, a retired electrician, was known for his passion for woodworking and his love of nature. Many of his handcrafted benches and birdhouses grace the town’s parks and gardens—a quiet but lasting testament to his skill and generosity. Sharon, 66, a former schoolteacher, was remembered for her boundless energy, compassion, and the way she lit up every room she walked into. Her former students recall her as the kind of teacher who saw potential in every child, never gave up on anyone, and always offered a listening ear.

Their deaths leave a void that will be felt for generations.

The couple is survived by their three adult children and six grandchildren, who now face the daunting task of navigating life without their beloved parents and grandparents. In a statement released Saturday morning, the family thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they mourn. “Our parents were the heart of our family. Their love for each other and for all of us was a guiding light in our lives,” the statement read. “We are shattered by this loss but comforted by the knowledge that they were so deeply loved.”

In the wake of the tragedy, a makeshift memorial has appeared at the crash site—flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now line the roadside in silent tribute. Meanwhile, Oak Creek residents have come together to organize a candlelight vigil in the town square this Sunday evening, where friends, neighbors, and loved ones will gather to honor Thomas and Sharon’s memory.

As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, there is a shared resolve to remember the Robes not only for the way their lives ended but for the legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness they leave behind. In the words of Pastor James Ellison, who knew the couple for over 20 years, “Thomas and Sharon lived with purpose and grace. Their love was evident in everything they did—and that love will carry on, in every person they touched, in every corner of this community they helped build.”

The Oak Creek community mourns, but it does not mourn alone. It mourns united—bound together by grief, memory, and the enduring light of two lives lived exceptionally well.