Robert Whitney "Bob" Vanderklish

1942 - 2025

Robert Whitney “Bob” Vanderklish, 82, passed away at home, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and occasional humor. He was born April 24, 1942, in Providence, RI, attended schools in the Boston area and graduated with the class of 1961 from Wilbraham Academy in Massachusetts. In April of 1965, he joined the Navy where he became a crack shot and served duty on the USS Valley Forge.

Bob’s professional career flourished at Siemens Medical/Technology company and later at Toshiba American Medical where he excelled in his field. Beyond his career, he was deeply committed to the CASA program in Orange County, CA advocating for and supporting many children in need. His compassion and dedication made a lasting impression on many young children in need. His compassion and dedication made a lasting impression on many young lives. In 1991 he was chosen CASA of the Year by his peers, an honor he was very proud of.

After serving Navy duty Bob married Sharon Richardson, and together they had one son, Peter. In his second marriage (1983) he found lasting love with Suzanne Schultz while playing tennis at the Irvine Racquet Club. They spent many wonderful years in southern CA before retiring to Suzanne’s hometown of Morrill, NE where Bob embraced a slower, simpler way of life. It was there that he became known as “Farmer Bob,” enjoying the peace and pace of rural living and fitting right in with a wonderful community of friends and family. In this quiet atmosphere he was inspired to learn local history and write about life in the country. He would sit in his rocking chair on the back porch and write stories about wheat fields, thunderstorms and Main Street. Bob also loved the ocean and as a young boy he and his brother Duncan could be found fishing and sailing along the Cape Cod coast.

In retirement Bob took up wood working, spending countless hours in his woodshop crafting cutting boards, serving trays, boxes and mallets, which he enjoyed giving away to family and friends. Bob found joy in a glass of chardonnay and was known for whipping up a pot of macaroni and cheese with ham, a meal he enjoyed sharing with the youngsters in the family. On occasion his serious side would disappear, and a sense of humor would surface. He would often refer to himself as “old, sore and grumpy,” a witty phrase that always got a chuckle. A life long avid reader he was also known for his curiosity about many things and a love of history. More often than not he could weave a history lesson into casual conversation.

Bob is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his son Peter (Veronica); and his charming granddaughters, Sophia and Hannah, his sister-in-law Jeanie Vanderklish; niece Julie Chen (Yi-Bin) and their children Taylor and Andrew, his nephew David Vanderklish (Becky) and their daughter Colby.

Bob was also deeply connected to Suzanne's family who were very close to him. He is survived by his sister-in-law Cindy Burr; nieces Sarajane Haynes (Robert) and Elizabeth (Jeff); and his great niece and nephew, Lyla and Cole Swenson.

Bob will be remembered around town as the guy with the uptown cowboy hat. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Thank you to the dedicated care givers and Hospice friends who watched over Bob.

If you wish, a memorial can be sent to CASA, 2035 10th St, Gering, NE 69341.

A service celebrating Bob’s life is pending.

Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel