Robert “Bob” Lennon Rauterkus, 65, passed away Jan. 20, 2014, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, with his wife at his side. He had many health issues and his doctors and nurses helped him leave this world in peace. Bob was born May 6, 1948, to Paul J. Rauterkus and Jeanne (Lennon) Rauterkus in Council Bluffs, Iowa. At age 3, Bob and his family moved to Hastings, NE. Two siblings joined the family, Paula (Eddie) Navarro and Steve Rauterkus. Bob attended St. Cecilia Catholic Schools, graduating in 1966. He attended college at Regis University (all men’s school) in Denver and later the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Bob was married to Karen Catsinas in August of 1978. To this union was born Sara Beth Rauterkus, Nov. 27, 1979. Following a divorce, Bob and Sara moved to North Platte. Bob married Denise(Johnston) Rauterkus on Feb. 25, 1984. A son, Matthew was born on Jan. 26, 1987. There were definitely bets on how long that marriage would last, but next month would have been 30 years. Bob’s greatest joy was selling and being sold. In Hastings he was employed by Demars Beer Distributors and then gained a real estate license and sold properties in the Hastings area. In 1981 he moved to North Platte to work for Arrowhead Distributing and Bob Klemm. He later worked in the convenience store business as a merchandising buyer and manager. At the time of his death he was employed by R and C Petroleum (Time Saver Stores, Winfields Coffee and Skyline liquor store) Bob helped design and stock Skyline and was very proud of it’s success. He appreciated the support and belief in his business abilities by the Schwindt family. Bob is survived by his wife, Denise; his daughter, Sara Rauterkus and granddaughter, Krystal Rauterkus of North Platte; his son, Matthew of Bar Harbor, Maine; his sister, Paula and brother-in-law Eddie Navarro, of Arvada, Colo.; and his brother, Steve Rauterkus, of Los Angeles, Calif.; nieces, Megan (Ken) Wood, Kacey Navarro, Laura (Russ) Shipman and Shelly (Ronnie) Harsh, all of Denver. He leaves seven great nieces, McKenzie, Gracie Jo, Delaney and Taylor Wood. Shelby and Sydney Harsch, Phoebe Shipman and one great-nephew Aiden Shipman. His mother-in-law, Shirley Johnston, of Hastings; sister-in-law, Daphne (Kyle) Anderson and brother-in-law, Darin Johnston, all of Lincoln. Bob will be missed for his infectious loud laughter and his clever comebacks. He could be tough and grouchy and kind and thoughtful. He leaves behind many friends who will have “Bob” stories and memories for many years to com. Rosary will by Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with family greeting friends beginning at 6 p.m. Christian Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Friday, January 24th 2014. Cremation has been chosen and inurnment will be at a later date. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com