Robert "Bob" Eugene Blacketer

Robert (Bob) Blacketer, 82, died Jan. 31, 2019, at the Thermopolis Rehab and Wellness Center in Thermopolis.

Bob was born in Kingman, Indiana on Aug. 4, 1936 to David and Mildred Blacketer, the 2nd of 6 children.  When he was six, the family moved to Reliance, WY to the coal camp.

After graduation, Bob enlisted in the Navy, serving on a tender in the Pacific and trained as a machinist which was to become his life’s work.  Following his term of duty, he returned to Thermopolis with his family.  He worked for Bob Mills at the laundry and dry cleaners where he met his future wife. He and Bernadine Schaff were married Oct. 18th, 1959.  That same year they moved to Mullan, Idaho where Bob began working in the mining industry.  He worked for American Smelting and Refining Co.  for 32 yrs. as a machinist. In Mullan their 4 children were raised.

On retirement in 1998, they returned home to Thermopolis.  Bob began working for the school district as a custodian.  He also worked for St. Francis Parish as grounds keeper and fixed small engines.

Bob was an avid hunter, fly fisherman, hand loader, camping, snowcatter, and enjoyed the outdoors with his family.

Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Jackie Lee, his parents, sister Jackie, brother Richard, and youngest son, Kyle.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadine, children: Kimberly (Todd) Johnston, Victor (Connie) Blacketer, Deone (John) Blacketer all of the Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho area, also 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren,  sisters Patty (Rick) Decker and Debbie (Everett) Morris of Mullan, Idaho and brother-in-law Ed (Peggy) Shaffer  sister-in-laws, Sharon Blacketer and Carole (Lee) Martinez and many nieces and nephews.

Bob had been a Boy Scout leader and had taught fly fishing. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis.

A funeral service at St. Francis will be held Wednesday, February 13, 11 AM in Thermopolis,  with a private family service in the spring.  Memorials may be sent to a charity of choice.

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