Robert Leo Gude, 95

A funeral mass for Robert Gude, age 95, of O’Neill, NE was held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill with Fr. Bernard Starman officiating. Burial was in the O’Neill Cemetery with military rites provided by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Bob passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

Robert Leo Gude was born on January 31, 1926 in Nebraska City, NE to Theodore and Marie (Meyer) Gude. He grew up in Nebraska City and graduated from St. Bernard’s Academy in 1944.

Bob enlisted into the United States Army on July 26, 1944 and transferred to Guam. He was discharged on August 13, 1946. After the service, Bob attended Peru State College to pursue a degree in teaching and coaching. In 1951, he joined the Nebraska State Patrol and was eventually stationed in O’Neill. Bob met Glea Bowden and the two were later married on October 14, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill. To this union, seven children were born: Michael, Helen, John, Joan, Theodore, Kathryn and Mark. In October 1971, Bob was transferred to Ainsworth, Nebraska, so the family moved west. Bob retired in 1981 and then began to work for the Nebraska Department of Roads. In 1991, the couple returned to O’Neill, where he worked as a handyman at the local Super 8 Hotel.

Bob was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was an excellent carpenter and loved to garden. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Glea Gude of O’Neill; five children, Helen Gude of O’Neill, John (Charo) Conner Gude of Lincoln, NE, Joan (Angelo) Kyriakakis of Chicago, IL, Theodore (Cheri) Gude of Hawarden, IA, and Kathryn Dodds of O’Neill; eight grandchildren, Audrey (Matt) Mason, Michael (Jordan) Gude, Nikoletta (Dan) Gadzinski, Christina Kyriakakis, George Kyriakakis, Ryan (Jami) Gude, Matt Gude, Seth Dodds; granddaughter-in-law, Cari Conner; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Marie Gude; sons, Michael Gude and Mark Gude; grandson, Sidney Conner; three sisters; and two brothers.