Robert Linder
Robert Linder Obituary - Abilene, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home (martinbeckercarlson.com)
January 20, 1927 - August 2, 2021
Robert Gordan Linder was born on January 20, 1927, to Emil and Martha (Schoemaker) Linder at the farm home in Banner Township, Dickinson County, KS. He passed August 2, 2021.
Family will gather with friends on Monday, August 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 10 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Durham, Kansas. He will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Cemetery District #4.
The family is thankful they were able to bring Robert home to the farm for his final days. He died on his farm where he was born 94 years ago.
Robert lived a life focused on family, faith and farm. He attended a one-room school near home, two years at the Elmo school and graduated from Hope High School in 1945.
Robert was a proud veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp October 1944 and after graduation entered active service in July 1945. He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II working with experimental helicopters. He received the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory medal. He returned to take over the family farm when his military service ended in 1946.
Robert married in 1949 and had four children, Dawn, Dwight, Denise and Darla Linder. On October 2, 1965, Robert married Leola (Druse) Schmidt who brought two children, Marty and Nancy Schmidt, to the family. Tom and Roberta “Bo” Linder were born to this union to complete the family.
Robert was a farmer and rancher all his life. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Dickinson County. For many years he served as treasurer and trustee. When the church closed, he attended the First Baptist Church of Durham, KS. For 26 years he served as a trustee for Banner Township. As a boy, he was present when Highway 15 was relocated from the mile east of the farm to the mile west of the farm using horses and mules. In later years, when county roads were given formal names, Robert served on the naming committee for Dickinson County.
Bob and Leola celebrated 55 years of marriage in 2020 with a small gathering of family. They experienced their one and only Zoom call with family members who were unable to attend due to COVID restrictions. Robert was known for his quick wit and a sly wink of the eye. Bob never met a stranger. He enjoyed people. He was inquisitive and liked to learn. He enjoyed attending the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo each year and watching any pro rodeo competition on television. Despite the rigorous schedule of the farm, Robert always made time to attend the events of children, grandchildren, church and community.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife Leola, and children Dwight (Debbie) Linder, Topeka, Kansas, Denise (Bruce) Wilson, Arlington, Texas, Darla Linder, Arlington, Texas, Marty (Eunice) Schmidt, Le Mars, Iowa, Nancy (Dave) Lorson, Hope, Kansas, Tom (Debbie) Linder, Hope, Kansas, and Roberta “Bo” (Robert) Swanson, Emporia, Kansas, and 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Albert, Wilfred, and Raymond Linder, sisters Edna Falen and Arlene Kosanke, daughter Dawn Linder, and great-grandson Gage Lorson.
Family suggests memorials be given to Hospice of Dickinson County and American Heart Association.
Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St, Abilene, Kansas 67410.