Robert Bauerkemper

Funeral services for Robert Bauerkemper will be on Friday, December 9, 2016 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM with Father Todd Philipsen officiating. A prayer service and slideshow will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM at Chamberlain Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Robert Bauerkemper, 79, passed away at Crestview Care Center on December 2, 2016 after a battle with Alzheimer's, with his wife of 56 years, Pat, at his side.

Robert E. Bauerkemper was born June 21, 1937 to Don and Thurma (Adams) Pearson in Denver, Colorado. After Thurma's marriage to Wayne Bauerkemper, Robert and his brother, Ron were adopted by Wayne. Robert graduated from Sidney High School in 1955. He spent 4 years in the Air Force. After his boot camp in Texas, most of his years were spent at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. He was trained as a mechanic, but spent his time on the flight lines parking planes. He returned to Sidney and worked with his dad at Bauerkemper's Auto and Electric. Robert worked in small engine repair and auto electric in Sidney, Scottsbluff, and Torrington, WY.

He married Pat Behm, January 7, 1961 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney. They moved to Chadron with their three small children, ages 2, 3, and 5 and began Bauerkemper's Inc. in 1968. He always credited his fast start in business to his location at 2nd and Morehead Street being across the street for Henken's Implement.

His favorite pastimes were riding dirt bikes in motorcycles enduros and cross country races. His first enduro was in the Rocky Mountains with his brother in law Bernie, both riding Honda Trail 90's. He enjoyed enduros in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas and Michigan. He was the first double A rider in the 3-state area.

He started playing golf after his racing days and loved the game. He was the past president of Ridgeview Country Club and of the West Nebraska Senior Golf Association for 20 years. He was also past president of St. Patrick's Catholic Church Council and the Chadron Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife Pat of Chadron, son Steve Bauerkemper of Lincoln, daughter Linda Bauerkemper (Trish Lortz) of Papillion and son David (Diana) Bauerkemper of Chadron. His grandchildren Nichole (Trevor) Baer of Lincoln, Paige Bauerkemper of Chadron, and Brenton (Heather) Bauerkemper of Chadron, 3 great granddaughters Macy, Millie and Ava Baer of Lincoln. Survived also by brothers Ron (Sharon) Bauerkemper of Northglenn, CO. Roger (Georgia) Bauerkemper of Ogallala, NE and sister Patricia Schilz, Sidney, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Hospice. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska 69337.

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