Robert Theodore Bathke

Robert T. Bathke. age 91 of Zimmerman, MN,  passed away peacefully at The Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay, MN on March 8, 2024.

Bob was born May 4, 1932 in Chippewa Falls, WI.  He spent his growing up years in Black River Falls and Millston, WI.  After graduating from Black River Falls High School, Bob spent 4 years in the Air Force.  He then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a BS degree in Electronic Engineering.  He worked for Control Data in the field of Aerospace for a number of years, involved on projects with unmanned and manned spacecraft.  He left Control Data and held various positions with other companies in the Twin Cities area as well as being self-employed in the field of designing automation equipment.

Bob enjoyed anything and everything that kept him active.  His interests over the years were as unique and diverse as he was, everything from traveling and showing his prized horse to raising a mountain lion from cubhood. In the mid-sixties, Bob drove fuel dragster's with good success on the racing circuit; In 1974, he took a snowmobile trek from the Canadian border to Hudson Bay on a harrowing 30 day trip; In 1980, he started running for fitness.  Then competing in 10K races and running marathons. Bob ran in the Twin Cities and Grandma's Marathon along the Superior North Shore a number of times. His most memorable marathon was running the New York City Marathon in 1986. Bob loved downhill skiing in the mountains and would always seek out the most challenging of runs and only after wishing his wife, Julie, much success on the bunny hill.  Sports were always a part of Bob's life, participating either as a player or coach.  He especially loved football and basketball.  He was not only a sports enthusiast, he was the one on the dance floor that would bring other dancers to a halt so they could enjoy the "show."  Bob loved spending days at the lake as well.  It was a place where he could sit back, look out over the water and reflect on his journey through life. He'd refer to this time as "thought travels."

Whether Bob was on the tallest mountain or at the Silver Bay Veterans Home, his fun -loving spirit always shown through.  He had a heart full of love for all his family, friends, and all of the wonderful and loving caregivers who cared for him.  Bob's big smile spoke volumes to us all.  

Bob was welcomed into heaven by the following:  Parents, Theodore and Violet Bathke; Brother, Richard Bathke, and father and mother in-law, Jerome and Gladys Thomas, and other family and friends.

Those left to cherish Bob's memory are his loving wife Julie, daughters Deborah Bathke (Patrick Fischer), Shannon (Fred) Threet, Amanda (Joe) Mohs; son Daryl Bathke; grandchildren, Andrea, Corie, Aimie, Kellie, Kyle and Alonna, nine great -grandchildren, numerous other family, friends, and also all the furry family members that left paw prints on his heart through the years.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held 11AM, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home. 

Visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Interment in Cambridge Lutheran Cemetery.

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