Robert Asker

Just a week short of turning 95, Robert E. "Bob" Asker, known affectionately as GGBob to his great-grandkids, earned his angel wings. After a brief knowledge of advanced leukemia, he passed peacefully in his sleep at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND, with a belly full of home brew and homemade spice cake, following an afternoon of listening and singing to wonderful piano and guitar music. His last days were spent in the company of many close to him chatting about old times. He was an active Mason, Duster, and advocate for both the Robert E. Asker Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center for Children H.E.L.P. Center and the Dakota Zoo. He bowled twice weekly for his leagues. He was a World War II Army Veteran and owner of ACME Welding Supply. Before Bismarck grew to include "The Hill" within its city limits, he cared for chickens and turkeys for Armour Co, and then pigs independently. He loved to garden, and though the size of his gardens had gotten smaller over the years, he will be remembered for his giant dinner-plate dahlias. He is survived by his daughter, Sandy and son-in-law, Glen Hyland; his granddaughters, Jody Brian Herrmann, Kerry, Laurey Donavan Kooker; his great-granddaughters, Elsa, Sofie, Maggie, and Isabelle; his sisters, Gloria France and Dorothy Ray Harchanko, Verna's children: Carol Russel Schlecht and family, Bev Brian Asplund and family, Kim Nancy Pace Holden and family, Terry Holden's family, "adopted" families of Jim and Kay Miller and Bev and Ab Penn, "The Village" members, Munch Bunch, and numerous other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Christopher and Orba Edwards Asker; sister Madalynne; brother Donald; first wife Marge Pagel; and second wife Verna Mae Holden; and Terry Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Robert E. Asker Scottish Rite Speech Center for Children or the Dakota Zoo. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 pm Saturday, February 21, at the North Dakota Heritage Center Auditorium, Bismarck. A reception will follow the memorial service in the Northern Lights Atrium. Please wear bright colors as they were Bob's favorite. Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Bob and sign the online guestbook.

Robert Asker

February 21, 1920 - February 14, 2015