Robert Paul ‘Bob’ Siegmann, Sr., 83, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, August 28, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.
Bob was born August 14, 1932, to Fred Paul and Corrine Margaruite Lindee Siegmann at Omaha, NE. The family lived in Omaha until 1941 when they moved to North Platte. Bob graduated from North Platte High School in 1950 then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad before he joined the U.S. Navy in December.
Following his discharge in 1954, Bob returned to North Platte and was united in marriage to Darlene Pauline Clemens on June 16, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They made their home in North Platte where they were members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Bob went back to work with the railroad as an electrician.
In 1960 he became a police officer and served the North Platte Police Department for over two decades. Bob thought of himself as “a mild version of Dirty Harry”. In 1987 he retired as Lieutenant at the age of 55 then nine months later returned to action with the Gothenburg Police Department during a shakeup in their offices. A 10-day job turned into a seven-week return to police duties and peace keeping for Bob. After this he retired again for the second time.
During his career with the NP Police Dept. Bob was awarded the honor of “Policeman of the Year” along with two other officers for the capture of two ex-convicts who had shot a policeman, stolen cars, committed armed robbery and were wanted in other states in October of 1962. Years later Bob was recognized for his arrest of a man who had just burglarized a jewelry store. He was able to subdue the suspect who was armed with a crowbar, with nothing more than his fingers formed into a gun.
Bob enjoyed his work and was willing to help other small towns with their police forces and was the artist behind the “Bobby Beware” weekly public service cartoon for the police department which incorporated his police skills and artistry. Bob had a gift for painting, drawing and woodcarving. He was also an avid reader, liked to do upholstery work and remodel homes. Most importantly, Bob loved his grandkids and great-grandson immensely.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene, of North Platte; children, Diane Kay (Robert) Harrison, of McCook, NE, Joy Lynn Siegmann, of Deer Trail, CO, Ronald William Siegmann, of Brady, NE, and Robert P. Jr. ‘Rusty’ (Angela) Siegmann, of North Platte; grandchildren, Penny (Mike) Adkisson, of North Platte, Eric Miller, of Denver, CO, Airman First Class Robert Paul ‘Bobby’ Siegmann III, of Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV, and Billy Siegmann, of North Platte; a great-grandson, Ashton Adkisson; his sister, Marilyn Jean Vizina, of North Platte; and several nieces, nephews and other family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Corrine.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Jim Golka. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.