Before his military service he worked for the Johnson Milling Co. Then in January of 1944, Bob went into the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Lunga Point. He was discharged in January of 1946. For his service, he received the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 4 stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 star, the Victory Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
On his return to Fremont, he worked for Koplin Radiator and the Fremont Foundry & Machine. Then he went to work for the Fremont Dept. of Utilities, retiring in 1986.
Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Fremont Eagles Aerie 200, a 'Lifetime' member of the VFW Post 854, and he was an avid bowler.
On August 24, 1941, he was married to Ella Vidlak in Papillion, NE.
Survivors: wife - Ella
son - Roger and wife Pam Pannier of Fremont
2 grandchildren - Angela Pannier of Fremont, and special friend Kris Williams
Tyler and wife Angela Pannier of Lincoln
1 great granddaughter - Lilly
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and 4 brothers.
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (Jan. 21st) in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ron Croom officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Visitation will be at the Ludvigsen Mortuary on Tuesday (Jan. 20th) from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.
Condolences(3)
Scott, Nancy, and Ross Paulger
Oklahoma City, OK Monday, January 26, 2009 Our most sincere condolences, he will be missed.Jim Chrisman
Fremont, NE Monday, January 19, 2009 I met Bob just recently but feel that I had known him for years because he worked with and was a good friend of my Dad,Warren. Dad always talked highly of Bob and I am sure he will be missed. My sincere sympathies to his family. Jim Chrisman.Michelle
Fremont, NE Monday, January 19, 2009 To family and friends of Bob, I am very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I was his nurse for 6 nights at FAMC and am very grateful I got to meet him and keep him comfortable. Some patients stay in our minds for a long time, and he will be one I won't forget. He was a great guy with a great spirit and always was smiling. My sympathies go out to all those that knew him. What an amazing man he was.