Robert Peter Plathe

Veteran, Robert Peter Plathe, age 97, passed away at the home of his daughter Gayle, on February 5, 2019. Bob had contracted pneumonia on Jan. 2nd and was admitted in the hospital. After 2 weeks he was transferred to a nursing facility and then released to come home. With the wonderful help of Hospice and other family members he transitioned peacefully into his next life with Jesus.

Bob was born in Madison Minnesota on November 13, 1921. His parents were wheat & corn farmers and Bob grew up learning farming from his parents. In 1943 he entered the US Army and lived the horrific battle of World War II.  Bob received 4 medals and a purple ribbon for various campaigns and was separated from the war with an Honorable Discharge in 1946. After the war Bob and his brother Sid joined forces and started a watch repair business and even opened a store together.

In 1954 Bob meet and married his wife Dori and they proceeded to have 5 children.  After a few years, Bob moved his family to California and worked as a Maitre D’ at the Huntington Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena. He and Dori then had 2 additional children.

In 1972 Bob & Dori purchased a Religious & Gift store where Bob worked and made his living until 1993 when he decided to retire and move to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Truly it is the land of sun and relaxation and Bob loved it.  He and his wife Dori lived in Lake Havasu for many years where Bob spent his time tinkering in his work garage and also volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul’s 5 days a week. He also went down to the lake for boating and swimming when his family would visit.  In 2015, Bob and Dori sold their home and moved back to California to be closer to family.  Bob and Dori lived in an apartment style granny flat attached to their daughter’s home in these last few years.

Bob has always been considered a fair and decent person. He was hard working and dedicated to his family and their well being. He was a teacher of many trades and a wonderful provider and helpmate to our mother.

We will miss him and his instructions of good common sense and the words he always preached; “Don’t let people get the best of you.”  “Never pay interest for anything except a house.” “Turn off the lights when you leave the room.”  “Learn to make quick decisions.” And “Save half of your money for a rainy day.”

We were blessed to have had such a wonderful father and husband.

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