Robert Somerhalder, Jr

Clay Center resident, Robert "Bob" W. Somerhalder, Jr., 66, passed away Friday, October 17, 2014 at Bryan LGH in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Services will be Tuesday, October 21, 2014; 10:00 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in Red Cloud Cemetery, RedCloud, Nebraska. Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2014; 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. with family present and one hour prior to the Service on Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the family for the purpose to be determined at a later date.

Robert was born December 24, 1947 to Robert W. and Gladys (Vavricka) Somerhalder, Sr. in Red Cloud, Nebraska. He was the first born child and son. Robert grew up on the family farm seven miles East of Red Cloud. His elementary education was at the country school close to the farm; when the school closed, he attended Red Cloud Public Schools and graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1966.

After high school Bob enlisted in the United States Navy on July 25, 1968. He served overseas in Spain for much of his tour of duty during Vietnam and was honorably discharged on August 24 , 1972. Upon his return to the area, he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and Central Community College in Hastings while he became employed by the State of Nebraska at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Nebraska. Bob enjoyed his work there and retired in 2012. Bob belonged to VFW Post 5539 in Harvard, VFW Post 4678 in Clay Center and the Eagles. He served during the Vietnam War.

Bob was a dedicated agricultural tech at the US Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center for forty years. In his free time he enjoyed hunting on his family's land. He loved to visit his sisters, niece and nephews in Omaha and had very fond memories of the lilac bushes at his grandmother's house. He met Robin in 2000 and they were wed in Las Vegas, Nevada February 14, 2002. They enjoyed gardening, taking long walks together and going to Husker football games.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
Robin Somerhalder - Clay Center, NE
Sisters & Spouses:
Janet & Stan Myhre - Tilden, NE
Nancy Somerhalder & Larry Strawhun - Omaha, NE
Patricia & Jim Burdyny - Omaha, NE
Step-Son & Spouse:
Justin & Cassie Stenka - Hastings, NE
Step-Daughter & Spouse:
Tanya & Jeremy Dalton - Omaha, NE
Step-Grandchildren:
Emma, Logan, Cloe
Nephews:
David (Krista) Simonson
Michael Burdyny
M. James Burdyny
Niece:
Alexandra Burdyny
Great-Nieces:
Grace & Katie Simonson
Numerous other family and friends