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Robert William Aronson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.

Robert (Bob) was born in rural Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, on May 6, 1927, to Chester and Florence (McDonald) Aronson. Bob grew up in Washington County, Nebraska, completing his education through 8th grade in Burt County. In 1945, at the age of 18, he joined the Army (1 week before the official end of WWII). While in the Army, he was stationed in Japan and worked as a mechanical instructor.

In 1949, he met the love of his life, Mabel Davis. They were married on May 18, 1950, and lived together almost inseparably for nearly 73 years. Together, they raised two children, James Robert and Anne Elizabeth.

Bob put his mechanical knowledge to good use. He worked at Aronson Motor Co. with his father, Chet, taking over when Chet retired in 1969. Bob also started Aronson Marine, selling motors. He and Mabel went on to build the car wash in Tekamah. After selling their businesses, Bob drove a grain truck for many years for his nephews, Denny and Ted. Bob was a Master Mason of Tekamah Lodge No. 31, a member of the Tangier Shrine and Mobile Nobles, helping build the Shriners train, a member of the Lions Club in Tekamah, and a member of the VFW.

Bob and Mabel officially retired in 1992, and they began spending their summers at Kirkhaven, their cottage in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. In his repurposed, old yellow school bus, Bob logged thousands of miles over the years, trekking back and forth from Nebraska to Ontario. He cherished every moment spent in Canada and will forever be remembered for his love of fishing and his pancake breakfasts.

Bob was a devoted and faithful member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Blair and St. Alban’s Cathedral in Kenora for as long as he was able. He was a devout and faithful servant of God.

Bob exhibited a thirst for knowledge and was never without a new book or magazine to feed his desire to learn. He enjoyed fixing anything he could get his hands on and building things for family and friends. One of his greatest accomplishments in life was learning to fly and becoming a pilot.

Bob was one-of-a-kind and, despite his gruff exterior, enjoyed every moment spent with family and friends, including the many dogs that he and Mabel loved. His thirst for knowledge and love for his family kept him on the move for 98 years, until his last few earthly days.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mabel, his parents, three siblings, son, James Robert, and grandson, Jacob Kirkham.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Floyd Sheets of Tekamah; grandchildren Mandy (Curt Wiese) Aronson of Tekamah, Jesse (Abby) Sheets of Herman, Amber (Ryan) Walpole of Tekamah, Casey (Trisha) Sheets of Tekamah, Abby (Alex) Hassett of Fremont, Joni (Josh) Kappes of Thief River Falls, MN; sister, Joan Connealy of Tekamah; seven great-granddaughters; six great-grandsons; and one great-great granddaughter. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will dearly miss him.

Bob’s great-grandchildren and great-great-granddaughter will serve as his pallbearers.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Blair, NE.

MEMORIAL VISITATION: One hour prior to services at the church.

MEMORIALS: Burt County Museum; St. Mary’s Episcopal Church – Blair; Tekamah Fire and Rescue.

Pelan Funeral Services, Jim & Danielle Pelan

www.pelanfuneralservices.com

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #283146621