Robert survived polio in September 1946 and graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1947. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau University, yearbook editor and a member of the yell squad. Bob graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1951 and then joined the Marine Corps. When transferring from his post in New Jersey to California, he stopped by Nebraska to marry Dolores Ann Sugden whom he had been dating in college.
After finishing his Marine service in 1952 he and Dolores returned to Lincoln. Bob worked for Eastman Kodak in sales and technical services for Nebraska and northern Kansas. While working for Kodak, Bob earned his Master of Education in 1959 from the University of Nebraska. When Kodak sold their sales division, he became the manager of the spin off retail store Treck PhotoGraphic. In 1974, Bob bought the Nebraska horse track photography business and began Winner’s Circle Photography, taking pictures of every winning horse on all five tracks of the Nebraska thoroughbred horse racing circuit for 24 years.
After retiring and selling Winner’s Circle Photography, he became an active apartment owner and participated in LIBA and REOMA organizations and served on the Nebraska HHS Emergency Medical Services credentialing board. In 2003 he received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Nebraska State Republican Party; he was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 2004 and 2008. Recently Bob received the Upsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau, “Harry A. Huge Outstanding Alumnus Loyalty Award”. He was a member of First-Plymouth Church. Bob was a faithful donor with the Lincoln Community Blood Bank, donating over 20 gallons during his life.
Family members include daughter Maryjane Dunn-Whitener (Joe) of Arkadelphia, AR and son Paul Dunn of Omaha; grandchildren Alex Wood (Shelby Collins), Turza Moats, Luiza Wood; great-grandchildren Myra Wood, Corvin Wood, Jude Moats-Kile, and Serenity Kile; sister-in-law Sue Dunn, niece Diane Dunn and nephew Larry Dunn (Anne), all of Denver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dolores, and brother William.
Celebration Gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE (10).
Inurnment to be held at a later date.
Per Bob’s request, please no flowers. Memorials may be given to the Lincoln Community Blood Bank.