Robert "Bob" Karle

1951 - 2025

Robert A. "Bob" Karle, 74, of Waterloo, Nebraska, formerly of Grand Island, entered his heavenly home on December 3, 2025. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Earle and Viola Karle. He is survived by his wife, Deb, of Waterloo; daughters and sons-in-law Liz and Matt Dibbern of Lincoln, and their children, Natalie and Simon; and Kate and Chris Fuller of Omaha, and their children, Kayla and Callie. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Gary Anderson of Kearney, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bob graduated from Northwest High School in Grand Island in 1969 and later earned an associate degree in construction and welding. Over the years he worked in farming, construction and sales, but his heart was always that of a farmer. He loved working the land-whether spending time in the fields, planting hundreds of trees through the Arbor Day Foundation, or tending his expansive garden. Sharing his produce with family, friends, and his church family brought him great joy.

As a young man, Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, skiing, and playing softball. He met the love of his life, Deb, in church choir. With his rich baritone voice, he sang for church services and special occasions. Together they built a life in Grand Island, where Bob cared for his parents and neighbors, volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and served on various church boards.

Upon retirement, Bob and Deb moved to a lake house in Waterloo to be closer to their children and grandchildren. There, he helped plant over 50 bushes and 23 trees, including a fruit orchard, on their three-quarter-acre property. He loved fishing on the lake, tending the large yard and garden and staying busy in his shop.

A few years after their move, Bob was diagnosed with a paralyzed lung and required continuous oxygen. Though mobility became difficult, he remained determined to stay active. He became a familiar sight riding his lawnmower around the lake with his dog Molly and was always ready for a friendly, lingering chat. Deb often went looking for him, wondering if the mower had stalled or if he'd simply stopped to talk.

As his health declined, Bob spent more time indoors, where he found enjoyment in reading, watching birds and squirrels, and engineering projects for others to complete. He loved calling friends and family to catch up. He prepared children's craft materials for church programs and crocheted hats, scarves, and blankets with the Caring Hands Club for those in need. Completing puzzles and coloring scenic pages helped him to pass the time. In the last five months of his life, he became an enthusiastic Lego builder, completing more than 60 projects and gifting them to loved ones. In the kitchen, he was Deb's loyal sous chef-cutting produce, meats, and cheeses, and looked forward to his December jobs of unwrapping candy for Christmas cookies and dipping almond pretzels.

Above all, Bob cherished his role as a father and grandpa. He nurtured the grandkids' love of the outdoors-catching fish, frogs, and snails, tending the garden, and delighting in the fruits of their work. He was always ready for a game or craft project, or whatever show the kids chose. Even his mobility aids became toys that the grandchildren loved, a sight that never failed to make him smile. Bob valued Deb's steadfast companionship and thrived because of her caregiving abilities. He treasured every moment with his family.

Throughout his life, Bob was a man of deep faith. His trust in God never wavered, even as his health declined. He started a men's Bible study after recognizing a need within the church and later continued participating in worship and study through Zoom.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 20844 Bonanza Blvd, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Visitation will take place on Friday, December 12, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Orphan Grain Train, or Mission Central.