Robert Leroy "Bob" Winberg

1947 - 2023

Bob Winberg, 75, passed away April 22, 2023, just 10 days before his wife would join him. Bob had a lifelong battle with his heart, lungs and back, all of which stopped him from doing the things he loved, and, in the end, gave out on him. He avoided doctors most of his life and knew that if he ever went back to one, he likely wouldn't come home. But he made the brave decision to try, so he could be of more help to his wife.

Ann Winberg, 73, passed away May 3, 2023, just 10 days after her husband of 54 years. Ann fought brain cancer and chronic fatigue with everything she had until her husband passed, then she gradually lost that battle. She passed away peacefully in the same facility and room as her best buddy and sister-in-law, Pat, had.

Bob and Ann, formerly from Broken Bow, passed away in Harlingen, Texas.

Robert "Bob" Leroy Winberg was born Nov. 4, 1947, in Broken Bow to Lawrence "Russell" and Marcella (Correl) Winberg.

Margie "Ann" Annette (Wright) Winberg was born May 19, 1949, in Alliance to Tilbert and Leola "Marjorie" (King) Wright.

On Sept. 15, 1968, Bob, age 20, married Ann Wright, age 19, in Mullen. To this union two sons, Bill and Ryan, were born.

Aside from being a UPS driver all across Custer County for many years, Bob was well known for his rodeo involvement. He was an avid roper, hosted Jackpot Roping's, horse training clinics, timed event clinics and USTRC events in Broken Bow. Bob won many events and awards including several belt buckles and saddles.

Bob's best friend was the late Ray Smith. His hero's and friends include Paul Tierney, and Ray Hunt, fishing buddies Lonnie Leach and the late Randy Engel and all his roping partners Neil Spanel, Tim Tierney, Roger McGooden, Flynn, Lymber and the Parliament family. The highlight event every year was the World Timed Event Championships in Guthrie, Okla. where he got to rub elbows and talk with the best cowboys in the world.

Ann worked various jobs throughout her life including at a flower shop and beauty salon and owning a fabric store. She also served as the secretary of the housing association at Sherman Lake where she modeled being a good neighbor with an eager and welcoming heart.

After moving to Texas, she was the volunteer activities coordinator for their condo community. Everyone was special to Ann, especially her immediate family, the late Pat Gottschalk, her sister Diane, Linda Yantzie, Cari Gottschalk, Sue Luehrs and all the Mandeville family.

Bob and Ann retired to Sherman Lake where they had a cabin right off the water. There they enjoyed fishing, gardening, golfing, watching wildlife, gator ride, and playing cards with neighbors. After being snowbirds for a couple winters, they decided to make a permanent move to Harlingen, Texas. Throughout the last five years, they found a great community of friends there.

Bob's hobbies were watching wildlife, fishing, rodeo and horse races. Bob is remembered to have always been willing to help anyone, anytime. He was also a very innovative and critical thinker that could not help himself from offering advice or coaching those around him in hopes of enhancing their lives. He is loved and remembered by so many rodeo friends and family.

Ann enjoyed anything outdoors - fishing, camping, kayaking, hunting, gardening and bird watching - and crafts of all kinds - sewing, painting, jewelry making, and woodworking. She also enjoyed playing cards and doing puzzles with family and friends. She loved hugs from friends and family, being outdoors and a good margarita. Everywhere Ann went she made meaningful, lifelong friendships. She valued quality time with friends and family.

Three words that describe Bob are passionate, hardworking and kind-hearted. Three words that describe Ann are adventurous, creative and generous.

Bob and Ann lived full lives, lives full of adventures and crazy memories, full of laughter and joy and full of beloved family and friends. Let us celebrate the lives of two people who embraced the opportunity to be around great people, to entertain them or help them in any way they could to try and enhance others' lives.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Marcella Winberg; brothers Ron and Larry; and sister Pat.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Bob; parents Tilbert and Leola Wright; brother Bill; and sister Valerie.

Bob and Ann are survived by their sons Billy Jack Winberg of Kearney and Ryan (Melanie) Winberg of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandchildren Tanner Winberg, Haley (Joel) Winberg Myers, Brady Winberg and Mason Winberg, great-granddaughter Hadley Myers; Bob's sister Dorothy; Ann's sister Diane; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Bob and Ann will be Wednesday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow with Kathy Salts PMA officiating.

Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.