Robert Edwin Bappe

Robert E. Bappe, 81, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital Long Term Care at Gothenburg, Nebraska. He was born March 26, 1928, in Mallard, Iowa, to Charles Everett and Mildred Marie (Peterson) Bappe. Bob grew up in the Ames, Iowa area where he graduated from Ames High School with the class of 1946, where he played on the state championship football team. Following graduation, he served his Country in the United States Army from May 31, 1946 to May 31, 1949, serving overseas in the Aleutian Islands. Upon Bob’s discharge, he returned to the United States where he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad which landed him in Lexington. He would make this his home because of his love for the beautiful Platte River and he met and married Norma Jean Henderson on September 29, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Two sons were blessed to this marriage; Mike & Mark. Bob was so very proud of his sons. Bob continued his work for the railroad as a Telegrapher Clerk and for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. He also worked several second jobs at different times and these included, Mead Lumber, Texaco Bulk plant, the REA Express and helped several area farmers until retiring in March of 1990. Even though he did retire, he still helped farm when he was needed. He so enjoyed teaching his sons to hunt and fish and loved the outdoors. Bob had many talents and could fix almost anything. He was a mechanic and carpenter and enjoyed gathering wood for their woodstove. He loved to read, play cards, his four mile walk after having coffee with friends at the Leprechaun and anything to do with the outdoors. Bob was a member of the Evangelical Free Church, Duck’s Unlimited, AARP, NRA, Pony Express Ramrodders, the American Legion, VFW and Heartland Military Museum. He will be so very missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife: Norma Bappe of Lexington, Nebraska Two sons: Michael & Sandy Bappe of Cozad, Nebraska Mark & Becky Bappe of Pavillion, Wyoming Two brothers: Dale & Nina Bappe of Marion, Iowa Don & Bonnie Bappe of Ames, Iowa One sister: Joan Danielsen of Rock Island, Illinois Four grandchildren: Shane and wife Ruby Bappe of Lincoln, Nebraska; Amy and husband Blaine Lauby of Kearney, Nebraska; Bethany and Luke Bappe of Pavillion, Wyoming Two great-grandsons: Damian & Ethan of Lincoln, Nebraska; nieces, nephews and other relatives. His loving companion and pet: Skippy Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law; Bob Danielson Funeral Services will be Friday, June 19, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Lexington with Pastor Duane Russell officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 18, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Evangelical Free Church or the American Cancer Society. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements: Online condolences may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.