Robert W. EGGER

1939 - 2025

Mar 28, 1939 - Dec 29, 2025

In loving memory of Robert W. Egger, March 28, 1939 – December 29, 2025. Bob died peacefully at Deaconess Hospital at age 86. Bob was born in Spokane to Michael and Margaret (Bowen) Egger on March 28, 1939. He attended St. Anthony's Grade School and North Central High School, Class of 1957.

As a young boy, Bob had a paper route, and as a teenager, he went to work for his Uncle John Egger at Egger's Meats on North Wall, where he learned the meat trade. After graduation, he went to work for Safeway as their Relief Meat Market Manager for the Spokane Division. In 1960, he returned to work for Uncle John and also joined the Air National Guard. Coming home from basic training, he met his future wife, Cathryn Daugaard, and they had a two-year-long-distance courtship before marrying in January of 1962 in Duluth, Minnesota. In September of 1964, Bob opened Egger's Better Meats at 15th and Bernard in Ray Skalstad's Bernard Street Market. In 1977, Bob moved his business to Owen's Foodland on 29th and Regal. In 1985, Bob moved for the final time to an empty 7-11 Store on 57th and Perry, where he partnered again with Ray Skalstad at The Pumpkin Patch and Egger's Better Meats. After nearly 40 years in business, Bob decided it was time to retire, and his sons, Steve and Jeff, took over the helm and the family continues to work together to carry on his legacy.

Bob and Cathy were parents to four children, Renea, Steve, Jeff, and Dana. Bob was a family man, and while he didn't take a lot of time off from his business, he was active in the lives of his children. Whether it was taking Steve to hockey practice or games, or the kids to the mountain to ski, he was always there for a ride. The summers were spent at the Egger family cabin at Twin Lakes, where he taught them to swim and to water ski. Later, they all traveled in the family RV, camping, fishing, and trips back to Duluth to visit family. Bob liked nothing better than to play on the floor with his grandchildren, singing silly songs and being the horse that they all rode on. He was so proud not only of his children but of his grandchildren.

After retiring, Bob and Cathy, who were avid RV'ers, toured the United States and were active in the Winnegabo Itaska Travelers Club. Bob was President of the State club 2004-2005. Bob and Cathy were "parkers" at the Winnebago Grand National Rally each July for several years and enjoyed many trips to Mexico with as many as 40 other RVs. In 2004, Bob and Cathy sold their Spokane home and moved permanently to Florence, Arizona. They were very active in their retirement community, and Bob headed many cooking crews, providing meals for the park. Bob was an avid golfer and belonged to golf groups at the park, and helped friends and neighbors with many projects. They lived in Florence for 18 years before returning to Spokane because of health issues to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Renea and John Yamada.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Egger and Margaret (Bowen) Egger; his brother, Richard Egger; and his grandson and namesake, Robert Yamada. He is survived by his wife, Cathryn (Daugaard) Egger; children, Renea (John) Yamada, Steve (Diane) Egger, Jeff (Andrea) Egger, and Dana (Galen) Hagen; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers, Kenneth (JoAnn) and Michael (Wendy); sister, Debra Egger; sister-in-law, Sandra Egger; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Bob's life at the Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane, WA, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at three o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women & Children's Free Restaurant & Community Kitchen, (509) 324-1995, 1408 N. Washington St., Spokane, WA, or the charity of your choice.