Obituary: Baertsch, Robert Henry
Age 99
He was born on June 2, 1915 in Marion, North Dakota, to Elmer and Clara Baertsch.
He was the middle child of seven children.
The family moved to Spokane when Bob was ten years old.
He attended Bemiss Elementary and Hillyard High School.
He left high school during The Depression to find work to help support his parents and siblings.
During WWII, Bob served as Technician Sergeant with the Amphibian Tractor Battalion, US Army, in the Western Pacific.
He didn’t share much about the “war” side, but told stories such as salvaging old airplane parts to build a washing machine while on the islands.
After the war, he worked in auto body repair.
He spent most of his working years with Canteen Vending Company, retiring in 1977.
In retirement, he and Lorraine spent wonderful times traveling and camping with family and friends.
Liberty Lake, Pend Oreille Lake and Riley Creek Campground hold particularly fond memories.
Bob enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening, and puttering.
He was always busy and could repair anything!
His last boat, a beautiful all-teal ‘67 Sabercraft, continues to give his family fun on the water, thanks to his meticulous care and love for it.
He was a true representative of the “Greatest Generation”: extremely hardworking, loyal, honest to the core, loving, kind, generous and selfless.
Thank you, Dad, for all the happy, happy memories and great example that you set!
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Lorraine; his sisters: Maxine Robnett, Virginia Hamby, Phyllis Wohrle; and brothers: William “Bill”, John “Jack”, and Richard “Dick”.
He is survived by son, Lewis Becker (Janice) of Bremerton; daughter, Jeri Becker Alben (Steven) of Kirkland; granddaughters: Stephanie Alben of Kirkland and Courtney Alben of Seattle; and great-grandsons, Jadon and Uriah (he loved kids and kids loved him, even in his 90’s).
He had many lifelong friends, all gone before him, and we’re thinking they and his beloved family members are now having one terrific reunion!
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Society (Attn: Assisted Living), 17121 E. 8th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99016, or to a charity of your choice.
At Bob’s request there will be no memorial service.
Family will gather to celebrate his life.
Cremation by Spokane Cremation and Burial Service, with inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery.