Robert Lee Northup, 85, of Lincoln died at home on November 18, 2019. Bob, as he was known to his friends, was born November 27, 1933, the second son of George A. and Evelyn (TeSelle) Northup. Two years in a row, his mother entered him in the beautiful baby contest at the Nebraska State Fair, where he won second place each year. When he was still quite young, his parents divorced and Bob, along with his brother Max, went to live with grandparents.
Growing up, Bob attended Clinton and Everett elementary schools and Irving jr. high. During part of that time he delivered newspapers in the Woods park neighborhood. Bob played and lettered in varsity football during high school as a half back. He was known as “Rapid Robert” and his athletic abilities were later recognized in 1995 when he was inducted into the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from high school in 1952, Bob began working at Burlington Northern following in his father’s (Union Pacific) and grandfather’s (Burlington) footsteps.
In 1954 he enlisted in the Navy. He studied as a Dental Technician in San Diego and was stationed in Long Beach through 1956. He remained in the Navy Reserves after returning to Lincoln until July of 1959 and returned to work at Burlington Northern. It was during this time that he met and married his loving wife of 60+ years, Beverly (Borg). Bob became the proud father of two: Bradley and Barbara. He bowled with a church league and played softball with numerous teams into his upper 70’s, sliding into base far too often for his wife’s comfort.
In 1980, Bob was devastated by the death of his son who was killed in a motorcycle accident. It was a hard time. A few years later his daughter married and eventually he became “Grandpa Bobby” to two girls, Katie and Emily. After retirement from the Railroad (nearly 44 years) in June 1996, Bob spent much of his time going to garage sales and repairing various small appliances. He was especially good with vacuums and mowers, but could fix almost anything and helped neighbors with whatever they brought over. He also regularly collected and recycled cans, using the proceeds to help his granddaughters pay for college. He will be missed.
Survivors include his wife Beverly; daughter Barbara (Dr. R. Scott) Clark; granddaughters, Kathryn Clark (Kyle Chapman), Emily Clark; half sisters Cheryl (Bill) Ross, Sally Jo (Jeff) Hoaglund.
Preceded in death by his parents; son, Bradley; brother, Max; sister-in-law Ruth; half sister, Pat Siddall.