Robert G. Bob Meerkatz, 75

Robert G. Bob Meerkatz, 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, surrounded by his loving family, at home in Kalispell. He was born in Polk, Neb., on Aug.16, 1934, to G.A. and Perry (Stibor) Meerkatz. The family moved to Boise, Idaho, where Bob attended grade school. He moved to Rawlins, Wyo., in 1948 as a freshman, graduating in 1952. Bob married Frances Hatch on June 3, 1954, and they later had three children, Robin, Jerry and Jeff. Bob worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and Sinclair Refinery until 1958, when he enrolled in Court Reporting School in Minneapolis. Graduating in 1960, he began working in Kalispell as a court reporter for the 11th Judicial District. He truly loved his interesting job while working with Judge Frank Haswell and Judge Robert Sykes, and retired in 1993, after 32 years. He and his partner Bob Nieboer owned Meerkatz and Nieboer Reporting Service until 1997. In retirement, Bob continued to enjoy his hobby of collecting and restoring antique automobiles. He was very active in the Flathead Pioneer Auto Club and also belonged to the Glacier Street Rod Club. He cherished family gatherings the most, but also enjoyed camping, golfing, hunting, fishing and reading. Always a gregarious man, he enjoyed laughter with his family and friends to the fullest. In his words, Remember the good times, for there were many. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Perry, in 1994; and his father, G.A., in 2006. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; daughter, Robin Panza and husband, Frank; son, Jerry Meerkatz, and wife, Tori; and their children, Sarah and Jake; and son, Jeff Meerkatz and wife, Tracy, and their children, Casey and Michael; brother-in-law, Larry, and his wife, Tudy, and their families; and brother-in-law, David, and his wife, Sue Ann, and their family. Friends are invited to a celebration of life for Bob from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, at the home of Jerry and Tori Meerkatz, 392 3rd Ave. E.N., Kalispell. Separately, there will be a private urn burial at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Montana, 1629 Ave. D., Billings, MT 59102. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bob s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Bob s tribute wall.