Robert “Bob” Francis Krebs, 87, reluctantly passed away surrounded by his loving wife Delores “Dee” and family on September 2, 2015 at his home in North Platte.
Bob was born on August 12, 1928 to Charles W. and Francis (Schmidt) Krebs in Omaha, NE. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Charles Krebs II; and mother-in-law Mabel Steele.
Bob was raised in Omaha where he graduated from Omaha’s North High School with the class of 1948. He started playing baseball as a youth, progressing to a semi-professional team. He was at the first game played at the Omaha Rosenblatt stadium in 1948. Several of his family members were part of the Storz’s baseball team. His brother Charlie quoted “It was a thrill to play the 1st game with the major league “All Stars” as a member of a Sandlot team.”
In 1950 Bob was recruited by the Marine Corps to play baseball, but wound up in the middle of the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged from service in 1954 and when he returned from Korea, he resumed the career he began with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1947. The UP relocated his young family to North Platte in 1971 and he retired from Purchasing in 1991 after 44 years. Bob (tall, dark and handsome) met the love of his life Delores “Dee” J. Steele (tall, blonde and beautiful) in The Omaha Walking Club in 1948. They married July 29, 1950 in Omaha, NE and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Bob is survived by his wife Delores “Dee” J. (Steele) Krebs; children, Jack (Glenda) Krebs of North Platte, Carolyn (Terry) Osborne of Sutherland, Diane (John) Lemen of Omaha, NE and Robin Grant of North Platte; sisters-in-law Donna Eklund of North Platte and Mary Krebs of Omaha. Bob loved to play and tease his grand and great-grandchildren. Seven grandchildren, Justin Krebs, Deonna Smith, Koby Krebs (fiancé Maddie Lister), Stephanie Simpson (fiancé Bill Winberg), Samantha (Mike) Wallace, Landon Frederick and Sandy Lemen; and three step-grandchildren, Elery (Andy) Hoban, Wylie (Dana) Osborne and Trampas Osborne; ten great-grandchildren, Echo, Will, Olivia, Sophia, Aubrey, Jackson, Logan, Lillie, Mason and Neely. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was a loving father figure to special niece and nephew Beth Blakeman Pohl and John Blakeman (Johnny B). Longtime friends from North Platte Jim Lawrence, Jack and Marylee Nichols, Vicki Simpson, Lisa and Mike Campbell; and many more.
Throughout his life Bob was very active in the community. Continuing his love for baseball, he umpired for the American Legion Baseball League (as an Ump he was well respected and always had the final say) and played into his 60s on his family’s softball team (who gave him no respect) at Cody Park’s Bill Wood Field. Bob’s “laid back” personality allowed him to quickly make and be a great friend. He enjoyed participating and volunteering (himself and others) in area clubs and events. He was a member, and frequently became president, of the following groups: UPRR Jr. Old Timers, UPRR Old Timers, Eagles Club # 2839, American Legion Post #163, North Platte Honor Guard, Maloney “Wednesday’s” Golf Club, North Platte Senior Center where he called Bingo for many years, and the Commemorative Air Force as a part of the Pyrotechnic team. Bob enjoyed stamp collecting, hockey, pheasant hunting, air shows, word puzzles and could name every “Western” ever made and who was in it.
Memorials are suggested to American Legion Baseball, P.O. Box 1902, North Platte, NE 69101 and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday September 9, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 415 N. Chestnut, North Platte NE, with Reverend C.P. Varghese officiating. Inurnment will follow with full Military honors at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, 12004 S Spur 56A, Maxwell, NE. Luncheon will follow at the Eagle’s #2839, 620 N Chestnut St., North Platte. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday September 8, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.