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BORN
1955
DIED
2013
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Robert Pomerenke Obituary
January 18, 1955 - July 27, 2013
SALEM - Robert (Bob) Pomerenke, 58, died peacefully, in the arms of his family at Salem Hospital on Saturday, July 27th only two short weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Robert was born on January 18, 1955 in Portland, OR to William and Mikki Pomerenke, and older brother William. The boys lost their mother at a very young age to cancer. Some of Robert's fondest childhood memories took place with his cousins and brother at his grandparents' acreage and also on family trips to Clear Lake. In Robert's teen years, his father married Donna, a stepmother who stood by Robert's side until the very end.
Robert graduated from Madison High School in 1973. He then furthered his education at Lane Community College before receiving his BS in Electronics Engineering from OIT in 1979.
After college, Robert moved to Fullerton, CA where he worked for Hughes Aircraft and met his wife Lori. Robert and Lori married in 1985. Over time, Robert's job took him to Fort Lewis, WA and then back to Oregon where him and Lori settled down in Salem with their children Mikki and Justin. Robert worked as an engineer for II Morrow, UPS, Supra, GE and finally Garmin. Robert's career allowed him to travel the world - satisfying a life goal.
Robert enjoyed a good political debate and loved being in nature, specifically in Oregon, which he referred to as "God's Country." True to his German heritage, Robert was always up for a bratwurst and a good beer. During his final days, Robert shared that out of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his two children.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lori of Salem; daughter, Mikki and husband, Brian Trowbridge of Salem; son, Justin Pomerenke of Salem; his brother William and wife, Cindy Pomerenke of Sandy; stepmother Donna Pomerenke of Vancouver; his aunt, Helen Bailey of Beaverton and a loving family of cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Angel Sausage Company in Mt. Angel, Oregon on Sunday, August 4th from 3:00-6:00pm. Memorial donations can be made in Robert's name to the Boys & Girls Club of Salem.
Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pomerenke
Michael Morin
July 26, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Steve Warner
September 5, 2013
I had the great privilege knowing Bob when he arrived at Gregory Heights. The memories of grade school/pre high school in Portland, running around together just being kids with Bob, were absolutely the best!
My condolences go out to Robert's family and friends for their difficult loss. I will always remember him as a good friend!
Julia Thornton
August 9, 2013
I remember 2 little boys visiting their mother at Emanuel Hospital, circa 1960, during one of her frequent hospitalizations, the only time I saw her treasured sons. As the nurse assigned her care, I was present at Mikki's bedside along with her husband when she died (1961?) and I have never forgotten her. I had wondered, over the years, how her family had fared and had spoken of Mikki to a member of our extended family within the last month. And shortly thereafter I read her son's obituary. It is said that man is immortal as long as someone remembers him and says his name. Please accept my condolences as the family copes with this loss.
Steve Outslay
August 7, 2013
I got to know Robert at Supra. I so appreciated his great attitude and gentle heart. He will be missed. Thankful he touched my life.
Lisa Wakabayashi Young
August 6, 2013
I was sad to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and sympathy to Bob's family. I met Bob as a freshman in high school. He sure could talk and was very entertaining. We talked so much in class we got sent to separate corners of the room one day. Periodically I would wonder where and what Bob had done with his life and from reading the comments here, it's good to know he had a happy, fulfilling and loving life.
Stacey Staab
August 5, 2013
First bud I met in California 1980 as the Company paired us ‘cause we were non-tanned Oregonians!”
Kris Powers
August 5, 2013
So deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts are with Lori, Mikki and Justin during this difficult time.
August 4, 2013
Bob was a kind gentle man, with a great sense humor He will be deeply missed, from everyone he ever met. Our hearts go out to the family.
David Viklund
August 4, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family.
I met Robert at the Scandic Hotel Alvik, it was my first job in my new hometown.
The fact that a few years have to have Robert as guest and friend was fantastic!
I remember him as the happiest and most thoughtful of those who stayed at our hotel.
Just such a thing like that for my birthday invite to dinner with a few others from the hotel.
The restaurant was of course German and was called "die Ecke 'corner. Different but very tasteful!
I also had the privilege to meet with Roberts family. Unfortunately not for so many days, but please know that I will be your guide if you decide to come over.
Robert! Time for a good Scotch and see you in a better place!
Greetings from Sweden
David Viklund
Sorry for my English as it is not of the highest class ..
August 2, 2013
Robert had a quiet optimism and ability to laugh at any situation that I will never forget. We'll miss you Robert.
Larry Hancock
August 2, 2013
Shocked to hear the sad news. Bob was a great friend in high school. My condolences to his family.
Mike and Lorene Vollmar
August 2, 2013
Dear Lori and family - we are so very sorry to hear about Bob. Our heartfelt condolences to you, and please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Ann & Bob Janicki
August 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss, but keep the memories close; so nice to see how respected and remembered he was.
Dean Sinn
August 1, 2013
Robert, too many memories to mention. Stockholm, Germany, Huntington Beach, etc. Such a good friend. Loved exchanging thoughts and ideas with him. Looking forward to meeting him in Heaven.
Evelyn Strange
August 1, 2013
To the Pomerenke family especially my friend Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you. With love, EVELYN
Michael & Stella Morin
August 1, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Pomerenke family. God bless.
Dave Condon
August 1, 2013
Robert was one of my favorite colleagues. Always very calm, kind and funny, and a pleasure to interact with. I'm so sorry he's gone, but very glad I got to know him.
Donna Cooper
August 1, 2013
I remember Bob as being one of the kindest guys in high school. He always had a smile and pleasantness about him. My heart goes out to his family to have lost him at such an early age.
Sincerely,
Donna Cooper Tomassene
Steve Newell
July 31, 2013
A true loss and a good friend in our high school days. My heart goes out to the family. Steve Newell class of '73
Jeff Vanderpool
July 31, 2013
So sad, Myself and Larry Symons used to skateboard in Bobs basement on Idaho st after that we would play army Bob would capture us as prisoners he said , tie us to a tree and go to lunch. Great times we had . He will not be forgotten
Scott Greer
July 31, 2013
I remember when Bob first became a student at Gregory Heights Elementary. The gym teacher, Mr. Miller, had a tough time learning how to pronounce "Pomerenke" which not only became a running joke throughout the year, but made Bob somewhat of a favorite with Mr. Miller. It was all in good fun.
At the 30th (I think) reunion Bob approached me and I didn't recognize him at first. He looked very different than I'd remembered him in high school; the long wild hair was gone and he admittedly, looked much more conservative, after all, he had a loving family to support and a good job.
Just a few weeks ago while I was thinking about the up-coming reunion, Bob came to mind and had I hoped to touch base with him again.
I was stunned and saddened by the news of his death. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Marty Loehr
July 31, 2013
A true loss Bob was really one of the good guys
July 31, 2013
Our sympathy to the family. We knew the family as neighbors.
Jerry and Jan Vanderpool
Kay Doherty
July 31, 2013
My condolences for your loss, Donna. I know how important he and his family are in your life. Thinking of you and wishing you well.
Roberta Morin
July 31, 2013
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Bob's passing. Know that I am here to support the family whenever you need me.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Berta
Dwight Maddox
July 31, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Pomerenke family. Robert was a great friend and will be missed by all. Robert made the world a much better place by allowing us to know him.
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