Bob, (or Sonny as Grandma Nellie liked to call him), 93, was called to heaven on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, with his beloved Peggy holding his hand.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cando, ND. Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father Daniel Musgrave, will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Starkweather Cemetery at a later date with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name are preferred to a North Dakota based charity.
Bob was born July 1, 1930, at the family farm in Starkweather, ND, to Nellie and Robert Plemel, Sr. He graduated from Starkweather High School in 1949 and attended Wahpeton State College. Bob was drafted into the United States Army and served in communications during the Korean conflict in 1951 – 1953.
Bob was joined in Holy Matrimony to Margaret (Peggy) Fitzgerald on May 26, 1955. They were wed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake, ND. For 46 years, they made their home and raised their children on the family farm. They were blessed with 8 children in 9 years and their angel, Steven David, who was born and went to heaven on June 21, 1972. Family blessings have overflowed with 28 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. As an only child, nothing pleased Bob more than to surround himself with his family. The grandchildren especially loved when he tied their socks together! One could hear them giggling all throughout the house!
Bob began farming in 1953 with his father. He was a brilliant farmer and also raised registered Black Angus cattle. Every fall, there was a chicken processing party at the farm and the whole family was involved (whether they wanted to be or not!). He operated a wholesale business with Harvest Service Corporation for 16 years, distributing combine parts throughout many states. Bob was selected to grow foundation and certified seed for NDSU and county programs. He had the honor of being named as the NDSU “Outstanding Farmer” of the Year for Towner County and also as a member of the NDSU President’s Club. Bob was an active member of the North Dakota Angus Association and the Starkweather Booster Club. He enjoyed sharing his talent and knowledge as a 4-H Leader for 15 years.
Bob had immense pride in his calling to be a farmer and retired from farming and business in 1992. He and Peggy moved off the family farm to their home in Cando in 2001. The farm is now in the trusted hands of the 4th and 5th generation of the Plemel family.
Bob was a man of deep faith and very active in the Catholic Church. Throughout many years he served on the Parish Councils in leadership roles at both Assumption of Mary Catholic Church, Starkweather and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cando. He was a Council President, Trustee, lector and Eucharistic Minister. Bob served on the Mercy Hospital Board of Directors, holding various officer roles including Chairman of the Board, from 1983–1994. Bob joined The Knights of Columbus on November 11, 1963. He furthered his commitment and became a Fourth Degree Knight in 1980. He was also a longtime member of both the Elks Lodge and American Legion.
Throughout his life Bob was quite the golfer. On July 15, 1990 he had a hole in one at the Cando Golf Club and he was so proud of that accomplishment! He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren the finer skills of his hobbies and had numerous buddies that he enjoyed sharing those activities with. He was also known for his apple pie and loved sharing his secret…sprinkling sugar on the bottom crust! Bob and Peggy enjoyed traveling and delighted in attending any activity involving their grandchildren or great-grandchildren. He had immense pride in them all and loved them deeply.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Peggy, his children: Therese (Bill) Flesch; Joseph (Judy); Patrick (Marci); Elizabeth (Steve) Scott; Mary O’Brien; Dan (Louise); Jeff (Debbie) and Greg (Judy). A proud Grandpa to 28 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren. Bob and Peggy also have 6 bonus grandchildren, 16 bonus great-grandchildren and 1 bonus great-great grandchild as well as numerous “adopted children” whom they shared their joy with.
Bob was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven David. His infant sister, Marie, his father and mother, Robert Sr. and Nellie.
Bob has blessed us all with many memories He will be so very greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
Online guestbook is available at www.dunnigandix.com.
Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND is in charge of arrangements.
