Robert C. Boltz
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Robert C. Boltz died peacefully at his son's home on April 4, 2017.
He wanted to be remembered as an honest man, who tried his hardest to help whomever he could.
Bob was born and raised on a family farm in Belfield, ND on July 18, 1930. He was the 14th out of 16 children to German and Irish parents, Nicholas John and Mary Carey Boltz. He jokingly remembers his dad calling him 14! Being a hard worker was instilled upon him at an early age.
Bob dropped out of high school, jumped in the back end of a freight truck with his buddy Charlie Malicki and headed out across the country. At the end of their travels the two enlisted in the Air Force. Bob served his Country during the Korean Conflict 1948-1952. He came from a very Patriotic family and he remained Patriotic his entire life. At one time during WWII at the family farm there were four stars in the window representing his 4 brothers fighting in World War II. All came home except one brother John who died at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was a 65 year member of The American Legion, he served in many capacities including Post 44 Commander and District 4 Commander.
Bob married Caroline Frappier in 1953 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Belfied, ND. During their 29 years of marriage they raised 4 children. He was very proud of his 4 children. When Sandy was little he was a seismographer, when Birdie was little he was a pumper for Pure Oil/Union 76, when Randy was little he was the new co-owner of the Big Horn Bar in Ten Sleep and when John was little he branched out into "pig operations", freight hauling and continued his business ventures. He owned and operated the Big Horn Bar 36 years, some of his favorite memories were enjoying the festivities on the 4th of July, which included watching his kids bust their asses behind the bar. When asked recently what his occupation in life was he replied a "Bartender for 50 years, I learned to be a good listener for my customers". He continued to be a great story teller until the end, when asked who he thought some of the best stories came from he replied "Alex, Many Words, Schaff, when he told a story, you listened". Bob had a nickname for everyone!!
Bob was active in the Ten Sleep community for many years, he donated of his time and resources when he was able. He was a volunteer member of the TS search and rescue squad, he was instrumental in getting the TS annual Easter Egg hunt and Memorial Day services organized, he was a member of the TS Rodeo Association and the Lion's Club. He loved the community of Ten Sleep and the Big Horn Mountains.
Bob's love of the outdoors flowed through his entire being. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the fall which included guiding hunters in the Big Horns, Bob was known for his Suburban (driving) gymnastics on the mountain. His contagious laugh and stories will live on forever.
In his later years Bob enjoyed watching sunrises and wildlife, sitting on his porch, visiting with friends and watching the world go by. After Bob sold the Big Horn Bar he tried to catch up on all the reading he missed through the years. He enjoyed listening to and watching the UW Cowboys, the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies.
He was preceded in death by his son John, grandson Steven, his parents and 14 siblings (Clara, Clarence, Leona, James, Ray, Martin, George, Lawrence, Cecilia, John, Gordon, Bill, Betty, Margie).
Bob is survived by his sister Bonnie (Pete) from Richardton, ND; children Sandy (Randy) Lovell,WY , Birdie (Craig) Laramie, WY, and Randy (Alicia) Cheyenne, WY; daughter-in-law Brandi of Ten Sleep, WY; grandchildren Hannah, Madisyn, Riley, Lexie, McKenzie and Ella; many nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.
Bob was appreciative of all of his wonderful healthcare and of his compassionate caregivers along the way.
"I'm a headed down to the ole bed'da ground" was a final parting Bob-ism.
Services will be held on Friday May 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the St Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church in Worland immediately followed by Interment and Military Honors at the Ten Sleep Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Bob's home on the Upper Nowood Road in Ten Sleep.
Memorials can gratefully be directed to the Ten Sleep Library.
See Robert C. Boltz obituary link at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel @ http://www.wrcfuneral.com.
