Robert Joseph Speikers

Robert Joseph Speikers, 78 of Perry passed from this life on July 6, 2013 with his loving family by his side. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Perry with burial to follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Perry, OK Public visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9am to 8pm, and the family will greet friends at the funeral home at 203 E. Fir Street from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday evening. Robert Joseph Speikers was born on November 7, 1934 in Faribault, MN to Robert and Rose (Sautter) Speikers. He grew up and attended school in LeCenter, MN. Following his schooling, Bob worked on his family farm for several years before joining the United States Army in 1954. Bob served his country honorably as an aviation diesel mechanic during the Korean War. After his discharge from the military, he returned stateside and rejoined his family on their farm in MN. Bob eventually opened his own auto mechanic shop in LeCenter, MN where he was working when he met and then married the love of his life, Loretta Ann Barten in 1962. In 1972, Bob, Loretta, and their family moved to Pawnee, OK in search of a warmer climate. Bob went to work for the Construction Dept. at Charles Machine Works in Perry, OK, and in 1974 the family relocated to Perry, OK where Bob resided until his passing. He continued his employment with Ditch Witch, and he was the lead employee in charge of constructing the modern day Charles Machine Works campus in Perry. In 1995, Bob retired from Ditch Witch, but after just six short months, Bob returned to Ditch Witch as a security guard until just a few weeks before his passing. Bob Speikers enjoyed his time at Ditch Witch and made many wonderful friends there. He was proud of his contributions to the company and many of his children and grandchildren work there today. All together Bob had over 35 years of service to the company, another fact that he was very proud of. Bob Speikers was a man who understood the value of a hard days work. When he was not working, he enjoyed his obsession with cutting and stacking enough firewood to get his family through the next 10 winters. He also enjoyed reading western novels, traveling back to MN to go fishing, and constructing buildings and homes for his family members. He was stubborn and hard headed, which were attributes that came in handy when he was diagnosed and ultimately beat esophageal cancer in 2006. Bob was a kind and generous guy who would always do anything he could to help a friend in need. He was very social and you never had to wonder where he stood on an issue as he was never afraid to speak his mind. Bob had many hobbies and accomplishments in his life, but nothing made him happier or more proud as spending time with his kids and grandkids. Bob Speikers was a good man, a dedicated husband, a caring father, a proud grandfather, a loyal employee, and an honest friend. He will be missed by all those lucky enough to have known him. Bob's legacy of hard work and compassion will live on through the lives of those he leaves behind. The indelible mark he left on this world during his remarkable 78 years of life will not soon be forgotten. Bob was preceded in death by his parent:s Robert D. and Roseanne Speikers and two sisters: Ethyl Leedstrom and Rosemary Mader. He is survived by his wife Loretta Ann Speikers of the home. Two daughters: Cynthia Ann Keeton and husband Mark Kendle of Enid, OK and Kimberly Mae Forsythe and husband Michael of Perry, OK. Two sons: Robert Daniel Speikers and wife Brenda of Perry, OK and Scott Joseph Speikers and wife Melissa of Perry, OK. A sister: Dorothy Kenyen of Eagle Lake, MN. Ten grandchildren: Janice and Christopher Keeton of Perry, OK. Kory, Kaycee, and Kyle Forsythe of Perry, OK. Robert James, and Brandon Speikers, of Perry, OK. Michael Kuchera of Perry, OK. Camo Horton of Perry, OK and Serenity Speikers of Perry, OK Bob is also survived by his special furry friends: His dog named Teddy Bear and his two cats: Tiger and Tommy. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Bob's name to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Perry. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at http://www.perrycares.com/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/perry.f.home

7/9/2013
09:00 AM
08:00 PM
Visitation
Palmer Marler Funeral Home
203 Fir Street
Perry
OK




7/9/2013
06:00 PM
08:00 PM
Reception
Palmer Marler Funeral Home
203 Fir Street
Perry
OK




7/10/2013
10:30 AM

Funeral Mass
St. Rose of Lima Catholic
421 N. 9th
Perry
OK