Robert P.

Tooker Sr.

Robert Paul Tooker Sr., 98, of O'Neill, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022 at his home in O'Neill.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Pastor Mike Durre will officiate.

Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson with military rites provided by the Atkinson American Legion Farley-Tushla Post 86.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Robert was born on March 2, 1924 in Atkinson to Albert and Vera (Dickover) Tooker. He grew up in Atkinson, graduating from Atkinson High School in 1942. While in high school, Robert enjoyed playing drums in local dance bands. It was also during this time that he began building model airplanes. 

Robert was drafted into the military in early March 1943. He was ordered to Fort Crook, which is now known as Offutt Air Force Base, where he took the Oath of Allegiance to his country before heading off to basic training at Camp Barkeley in Texas. After a brief stint at Camp Carson in Colorado, Robert was sent off to Bari Italy where he was assigned to the 45th General Hospital. Finally on May 8, while working in northern Italy, the war ended. On his return to the United States via New York Harbor, Robert remembered seeing the Statue of Liberty – and what a site it was. Robert was honorably discharged in 1946. He enlisted into the regular U.S. Army in 1948 and served in Korea. He was again honorably discharged in 1952.

Robert married Bernice Grothe on May 20, 1953 at the Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill. To this union, the couple raised two children Robert P. Tooker Jr. and Sue Tooker.

Robert was a master carpenter for many years in the Atkinson and O'Neill areas. He worked at Boeing Aircraft for a time in Seattle, WA and also for Champion Homes in Colorado.

Robert loved to build model airplanes and kids' pedal bikes. In his later years, he really enjoyed metal detecting and surfing the internet.

Robert was a proud member of the Atkinson American Legion.

Robert is survived by his wife of 69 years Bernice of O'Neill; two children Robert P. (Debi Jo) Tooker Jr. of Norfolk, NE and Sue Tooker of O'Neill; one brother Earl (Kathy) Tooker of Omaha; nieces; nephews; relatives; and his two beloved grand pets Sally Sue and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his father Albert Tooker, mother and stepfather Vera and Claude Humphreys; and four sisters and three brothers.