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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Wakenshaw, Bob

Age 82

WAKENSHAW, Bob Bob Wakenshaw peacefully passed away on February 27, 2013 at home surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born in Bearcreek, Montana on March 8, 1931 to Bud and Mary Wakenshaw.

He was raised by his loving parents until disaster struck on February 27, 1943.

His father and grandfathers were killed in a coal mine explosion that took 74 lives that day.

Bob, his sister Fanny, and his mother moved to Billings, Montana where Bob continued in school.

His mother remarried and they moved to Worden, Montana on the Huntley Irrigation Project where he went to high school.

He participated in all the varsity sports.

It was there he met Jeanne Hoff, the love of his life.

In 1951 the two were married and they remained together to the end.

Bob spent four years in the Navy from 1951 to 1955 when he was honorably discharged.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in 1959.

He began public service working for the Social Security Administration in 1959, first in Bremerton, Washington.

He soon transferred to Spokane where he and Jeanne lived and raised their family.

He retired from the Social Security Administration in 1989 as a claims supervisor.

He was on the Board of Directors at the Spokane Federal Credit Union since 1970.

He enjoyed basketball, bowling, and maintaining and improving the family home and yard, along with a place on Deer Lake.

He was a stalwart fan of Pepsi, John Wayne, and the Gonzaga Bulldog basketball program.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Jeanne, and three children.

His daughter, Karlene Schoedel lives in Spokane with her husband Kim.

Tim Wakenshaw lives in Fircrest, Washington and Lori Wakenshaw lives in Spokane.

Bob has five grandchildren, Amy Schoedel, Evan Schoedel, Patrick Wakenshaw, Molly Wakenshaw, and Charlie Wakenshaw.

Peggy Hatfield survives as his niece and resides in Billings with her husband Gary.

Lori and Karlene, with the help of Peggy, went to great lengths to insure their dad passed on while living at home in comfort and feeling the love of his family and friends.

Dr. Leroy Byrd was Bob’s long time physician and Bob considered him a friend as well.

Bob had a special love and affection for Montana, especially around Billings and Bearcreek, but his greatest impact was felt in Spokane, His good will, strong work ethic, and the love he spread to family and friends made Spokane a better place, He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Donations can be made to the Carbon County Historical Society at PO Box 881, Red Lodge, Montana 59068.

(406) 446-3667.