Robert LaVerne "Bob" Jaenicke

1940 - 2025

Robert LaVerne "Bob" Jaenicke

September 21, 1940 - February 16, 2025

Robert LaVerne "Bob" Jaenicke, 84, of North Platte, passed away on Feb. 16, 2025, surrounded by friends and family at Linden Court.

He was born on Sept. 21, 1940, to Herbet W. and Ellen V. (Driefholt) Jaenicke in Paxton.

When he was young, his family moved to North Platte. There he graduated from North Platte High School in 1958. Shortly after beginning working, he met the love of his life, Delores Yanken, while on lunch break at her work, O'Connor's Diner. After getting to know each other and many more lunch breaks, the two were wed on Sept. 2, 1960. To this union, their adored children Steven, Christie, and Cindy were born. During this time, Bob worked at Tom and Jim's Golf Station in Westfield Shopping Center. He then went on to work as a mechanic for the United Parcel Service (UPS) and then transitioned to Gerald Gentleman Station, where he did ironwork. Later in his career, Robert continued his education at Mid-Plains Community College, graduating in May 1985. His final job before retirement was as a mechanic for Denny Mogis and Jerry Remus Chevrolet. In retirement, Bob mowed and did upkeep for North Platte Public Schools and could often be seen driving around town admiring his handiwork.

In a similar vein, Robert took great pride in his lawn, which could only be described as immaculate. He often enjoyed sitting on his porch watching the birds and squirrels enjoy his yard. He was also always out socializing, making friends everywhere he went. His wit and boisterous laugh never failed to get smiles out of everyone in his vicinity! In his younger years, he was quite daring, racing motorcycles. As he grew older, his hobbies began to focus more on his family, though he kept his wild-side racing stock cars well into his 50s. He loved taking everyone camping in Estes Park, Colorado, and couldn't be kept from family reunions or his grandkids' activities! He was also a big supporter of the Huskers in all sports and a collector of T-shirts with humorous sayings. He was well-known around his doctor's office for his "Exercise! I thought you said Extra Fries!" shirt.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ellen; parents-in-law, George and Opal Yanken; son, Steven Jaenicke; and sisters Marlene (Derl) Lunkwitz and Linda (Phil) Haller.

Those left to cherish Robert's memory are his wife, Delores of North Platte; daughters Christie (Richard) Copper and Cindy Wheeler of North Platte; grandchildren, Amy (Adam) Sabatka of North Platte, Justin (Alicia) Copper of North Platte, Natasha (Kenny) Delso of Curtis, Matthew (Samantha) Wheeler of Broadwater and Nathen (Whitney) Wheeler of North Platte; sister-in-law, Darlene (Bill) Shaw; brothers-in-law, Joe (Vernita) Yanken and Dale Yanken; 13 great-grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.

Funeral service is at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Gary Goodwin officiating. Burial follows at the Paxton Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is entrusted with arrangements.