Robert Doerk

FORT BENTON Robert Kenneth Doerk Jr., 78, of Fort Benton, died of natural causes Dec. 20, at a local health care facility.



Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home & Crematory. To honor Bob's wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Instead, to recognize the many incredible ways Bob touched the lives of so many, please join us in celebrating and honoring Bob with an informal tribute to his life after 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Wake Cup coffee house in Fort Benton, 1714 Front Street C. The celebration is an open house, please feel free to drop in any time.



Bob was born May 26, 1940, in Chicago, Ill. Growing up in the Midwest, he graduated from Madison West High School in 1958 and Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., in 1962 and was commissioned an Air Force officer on graduation day. He spent 20 years in the Air Force with assignments in Ohio, the Pentagon, Vietnam, Illinois, England and Montana. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. On July 2, 1966, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Dudley.



Retiring from the Air Force on Thursday, Sept. 30, 1982, he began his second career on Friday, Oct. 1, 1982, in a bank trust department. He retired in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Nov. 30, 1999, as vice president/office manager of the Trust Department for Wells Fargo Bank (previously Norwest) in Cheyenne.



After living in Great Falls from 1977 to 1995, he retired in Fort Benton, just 37 miles down the road. There Bob stayed as active in retirement as he had while living in Great Falls with community/historical involvement. Among the activities he was engaged in over the past years included: president, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation; vice president, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Fund Inc.; Portage Route Chapter, LGTHF Inc.; portrayed Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Dawson (factor at old Fort Benton) for public events; vice chairman, C.M. Russell Museum Board of Directors; president, Great Falls Jockey Club; chairman, Great Falls Public Library Board of Directors; co-founder/co-leader, Great Books Discussion Group; program director, Great Falls Kiwanis Club; instructor for numerous Elderhostel presentations, tour guide and presenter for a variety of historical subjects; chairman, National Fur Trade Symposium held in Fort Benton; member of the River and Plains Society Board of Directors and member of the Fort Restoration Committee; and president, Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.



Bob is survived by his lovely wife and best friend of 47 years, Mary (Dudley) Doerk of Fort Benton; brother, Tom Doerk of La Veta, Colo., and son, Steve and his wife, Deanna (Powell) Doerk of Vancouver, Wash.; he is also survived by his four grandchildren, Nicholas Doerk (20), Rhaeley Shaffer (18), Jylian Doerk (12) and Zackery Doerk (11).



Bob was preceded in death by his parents in 2002; and his younger sister, Janice early in 2012.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Dedman Foundation in Fort Benton or the organization of your choice.



Thanks to the many wonderful providers and caregivers at the Missouri River Medical Center and Benefis Health System. Thanks also to The Gift of Life Family Housing Center in Great Falls, Mont., and all of his friends and family for their love and support during this time.



Condolences to the family may be left at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com.