Robert “Bob” Melvin Dein was born Feb 22, 1949, in Fairbury to Melvin and Edna (Lang) Dein. He passed away Jan. 31, 2024, at Gardenside LTC in Fairbury. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past five years.
Bob attended school in Alexandria and was in the last graduating class at Alexandria High School in 1967. He then attended Fairbury Junior College and University of Nebraska, graduating in 1972. Bob was united in marriage to Julie Johnson on May 13, 1983, and was blessed with two sons – Jeff and Brian.
Farming was Bob's life-long passion. He started farming at a young age and continued to farm through this past harvest. He worked with Chauncey Aksamit in construction. He also worked for 40-plus years in the crop insurance industry, where he gained many new friends, being out in the fields. In his 'younger' days, Bob played several years on the Alexandria fast-pitch softball team. His other passion was horse racing. On his days away from the farm, you could usually find him at the racetrack in Grand Island or Lincoln.
He was actively involved with coaching both of his son's youth basketball and baseball teams as they grew up. Bob was a proud member of the Fairbury Elks Lodge for 38 years. Bob was also an avid Husker and Kansas City Royals fan. He was always looking for some kind of sporting event to watch in person or on TV. Bob passed his love for his teams and farming to his sons and grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Julie of Fairbury; sons, Jeff (Kayce) Dein of Lincoln and Brian (Emily) Dein of Beatrice. He adored his three grandchildren Nora, Elyse and Beau. Survivors also include his brother, Tom (Theresa) Dein of Omaha; sisters-in-laws, Sue (Bob) Yoachim, Candie (Bob) Kujath, and brother-in-law, Rick (Laura) Johnson and many other family and friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
The funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury. The family will greet friends on Friday evening, Feb. 23, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
