Robert Giles Christie

God’s Heavenly choir received a new member on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Robert Giles Christie passed away at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE from complications from fall. Robert was born on May 30, 1923 to Charles and Bessie (Ross) Christie in Ida Grove, IA. He was 9 days short of his 93rd birthday. He grew up in Ida Grove and graduated with the class of 1942. Robert entered the U.S. Army after graduation and fought in the Pacific theater. He received a Bronze Star for shooting down an enemy plane. After the Army Robert went to work for Keith’s Laundry and Cleaning Service in Ida Grove. Bob was a people person and all of his jobs reflected that. He worked for the Ida Grove Creamery picking up milk and cream from local farmers, he drove a school bus for the Lake View IA schools, then he drove a gravel truck, and worked in a gas station. The old fashioned kind where they washed your windows for you. He sold subscriptions to the Sioux City Journal and was a route delivery man for Schultz’s Dairy all in Ida Grove. In 1957 he went to work for Sears in Omaha selling building materials. He was a very good salesman and received many awards for top sales. He retired in 1984. He soon grew bored and his went to work Knowles Mercy Spirituality Center as their maintenance/handyman. His last job was working for his son Marc at MAC Industries as their maintenance engineer. Bob was a busy guy but he had time for music. He was a self-taught guitar player and keyboard player. He also was a singer and in his younger days could yodel with the best. He started playing country fairs and town celebrations singing in a boy’s quartet with his brother. As Bob got older he joined his dad’s band, Charlie Christie and the Nighthawks. He played guitar and accordion. Bob could be the life of the party because if there was a piano he could play most songs by ear. He loved old time country songs and polkas. He was an excellent dancer and that is where met Marge. Bob met the love of his life at a dance in Ida Grove. He came with one girl but left with Marge. They were married at Ida Grove, IA in 1950. They were married over 65 years. They were the parents of Karen, Wayne, Marc, Ronald and Jim. In 1965 Bob and the family moved to an acreage north of Elkhorn, NE and he was living there at the time of his death. Bob was a car guy and could tell you the make and model of any car he saw on the street. He loved the game of trading cars and always was on the lookout for the next one he would buy. He did love his Fords and his big red Ford truck was his prize. He liked the older models and he and Marge owned Marge’s mother’s 1948 Dodge pickup which he enjoyed driving in parades. He loved to watch football. He was a supporter of the Huskers and the Green Bay Packers. His favorite thing to do on a Friday night was to watch Elkhorn High School football and basketball. He loved driving to games with Gene Kruger or Norm Norgard and cheer on the local team. Bob was a 48 year Mason and a lifelong member of the VFW. In his later years Bob found great friends at Billy’s Café in Omaha. He would enjoy his hash browns with onions and cheese with some of the greatest friends he could have. Jokes, political comments and solving the world’s problems was what they did best, but the guys in this group thought the world of Bob and as his health declined they drove him to breakfast and helped him in any way they could. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, his daughter Karen Brostad (Richard) of Arlington, NE, sons Marc of Arlington, NE, Ronald of South Korea and James (Kathi) of Omaha. 8 Grandchildren and 5great-grandchildren. Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Les and Ruth Friedrichsen of Odebolt IA, 3 nephews and many friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sister, brother, son, Wayne and 1 great-granddaughter.

Robert Giles Christie

May 30, 1923 - May 21, 2016