Obituary: Papst, Robert John “Bob”
Bob was born and raised in Spokane, WA, the only child of John and Anna (Foss) Papst.
Shortly after graduating Lewis and Clark high school in 1943, he signed up to serve with the Marines at the age of 17.
He fought valiantly in the Pacific Theatre, serving in Okinawa.
After his discharge, he returned to Spokane where he began a career as a lineman for Pacific NW Bell and caught the eye of a pretty telephone operator.
He and Jane (Simon) were married June 30, 1948 and celebrated 66 years of marriage before Jane’s passing in December.
Together they raised three children: Karen, Steve, and Greg.
The family built a cabin on secluded property in Pend Oreille County where they enjoyed many summers of fishing, swimming, cooking out, and many autumn father-son hunting trips.
Bob and Jane trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior at a retreat held by Riverview Bible Camp and then joined Fourth Memorial Church, where they attended for many years.
After taking early retirement, Bob volunteered on a work crew at camp, and kept himself busy with gardening, golfing, bowling, investment club, penny ante poker, and cribbage.
He enjoyed sports and the outdoors; and from boyhood, he was never without a faithful dog at his side.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jane, and son Greg.
He is survived by daughter Karen Vines (Doug); son Steve (Jean); daughter-in-law Kari (Greg); granddaughters: Amy, Sarah, Anna, Ilse, Inga, and Venke; grandson Gunnar; and great-grandchildren” Colin and Celia.
A Memorial Service will be held at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home (5100 W Wellesley Ave., Spokane) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015.