Robert E. "Bob" Bobek

PIERCE -- Family memorial service for Robert E. "Bob" Bobek, 90 of Valentine formerly of Pierce, will take place at a later date in Valentine, NE. Bob died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Stanton Health Center in Stanton. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Bob was born February 27, 1934 in Pierce, NE to William and Mildred Bobek. He had one older brother, Billy Bobek. In high school he excelled in all his classes and enjoyed working with horses, playing basketball, and participating – and placing – in numerous track and field events. Bob was in the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1956. During that time, he served in Newfoundland and his love of horses led him to work with the mule packs. While in the military, he earned a brown belt in Judo. On June 1, 1957, Bob and Glenda (Potter) were married in Linwood, UT (a little town now buried under the waters of the Flaming Gorge Dam). Their first baby was a little girl, Tana, born in June of 1959. In May of 1960 their second daughter, Kathryn, arrived. Bob and his family joined and became active members of the Episcopal Church. Bob had a deep love for his family, and his faith was important to him, so he made sure they attended church services every Sunday and listened to every Billy Graham program on TV. After graduating from Utah State University in Logan, UT Bob became a Forest Ranger, landing him and his new wife in the primitive areas of Idaho (where they spent their Honey Moon) – accessible only by Mule Packs. He became District Ranger of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Austin Nevada. Bob served in the U.S. Forest Service for fourteen years. He became the Secretary of Board of Education Lands and Funds at the Nebraska State Capital in Lincoln, NE. He worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance as a Land Appraiser. Wanting to find a permanent place to settle his family, he moved to Valentine, NE and purchased a local ice cream shop, The Dairy Sweet. He became interested in law enforcement and sold the business to work as a Police Officer for the city and eventually became Chief Deputy for the Cherry County Sheriff’s Department in Valentine. In 1988 he was awarded Officer of the Year. After 25 years in law enforcement, Bob retired in 2004. Bob and his horse Smutty participated in many rodeo (cutting and calf-roping) events. He was an avid gun and knife collector and loved hunting (with Tar - his Black Labrador Retriever, that he trained) and target shooting, spending many hours in the basement reloading his own ammo to get that perfect shot. He and his wife received many first-place trophies for their target-shooting skills. Little Hydee (a little Jagdterrier) became his constant companion after retirement. Bob is survived by his spouse Glenda Bobek; daughters Tana (Bill) Trumblee and Kathryn (Mark) Buckingham; grandchildren John (Stephanie) Trumblee, Josh (Lindsay) Trumblee, Rob (Maggie) Buckingham, and Randi (Field) May; and great-grandchildren Brian, Jenica, Jesse, Beau, Jolene, Cai, Evie, Rhema and Asher. He was preceded in death by his father, William Bobek; Mother, Mildred Bobek; Brother, Billy Bobek; and Nephew, Troy Bobek. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Robert E. "Bob" Bobek

February 27, 1934 - May 21, 2024