Dr. G. Robert Kaftan

Dr. G. Robert Kaftan, MD, 87, Green Bay, passed Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021 The son of J. Robert and Georgia (Jeanmairet) Kaftan was born August 11, 1934 in Green Bay.

Bob was a graduate of the U.W. School of Medicine in 1959.  After a pediatric residency at Denver Children’s Hospital, he started his career at the Talihina, Oklahoma Indian Hospital where he was a pediatrician and medical director.  After this service he moved to Green Bay where he practiced pediatrics at the Webster Clinic for several decades.  When Prevea was formed, he was the first medical director and two years later became president.  He ended his career at the Oneida Indian Health Center where he practiced pediatrics for eight years, retiring at age 78.  The impact he had on health care in the Green Bay area will be felt for generations.  He also served the community on many boards, receiving the President’s Award from the Community Service Center (Aspiro).

Bob enjoyed biking and traveling as well as running.  However, his main interest outside of medicine was his family.  Bob is survived by the love of his life, Bonnie (Pfotenhauer) Kaftan, whom he married on December 29, 1956.  He is further survived by five sons and six daughters-in-law: Matthew and Jayne, Gregory and Giordana, Frederick and Amy, Hal and Julie, G. Robert and Jane, and Julie; eighteen grandchildren: Nick, Dana (Seth), Casey, Alex, Giulia, Eric (Blake), Elliott, Lillian (Adam) Emily, Joseph, Anna, Adam (Samantha) David (Isha), Benjamin, Timothy, George Robert III, Emma and Charles. He is also survived by one sister, Georgia Kaftan and a sister-in-law, Jane Poels.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends.  Bob was the epitome of a role model for this large family.  He showed them how to be a loving husband, dedicated father and a man of faith, hard work, and integrity.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Jeffry, sister, Judy Berendsen and brothers-in-law; Jack Poels, Don Schramm and Jim Berendsen.

Private family funeral mass will be at 10:30, Wednesday, December 29, 2021, on Bob and Bonnie’s 65th wedding anniversary at the church where they were married.  Rev. Joseph Dorner is the celebrant. A livestream link will be posted on the Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care Facebook page, 15 minutes prior to the start of the service. A special celebration of Bob’s life will be held this summer for family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or the Community Service Center (now Aspiro) would be greatly appreciated. The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Rennes Rehab and Unity Hospice as well as Bishop Robert Morneau.

This obituary was written by Bob’s sons and his daughter-in-law, Jane.

Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.  Online condolences can be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.