Bob P. Summerer

Funeral Services for Bob P. Summerer, 93, Norfolk, will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 23, 2018 at Northern Heights Baptist Church.  Pastor Ed Felgate, Jr. will officiate.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Avenue.  Graveside Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Valley View Cemetery in Ewing, NE.

Mr. Summerer passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at his home in Norfolk after a brief battle with cancer.

Bob Primus was born November 22, 1924 in Martha, Nebraska, to his parents John and Julia (Primus) Summerer.  He graduated from Ewing High School in 1942. After graduation, he had the opportunity to attend a limited study at the Agricultural college at the University of Nebraska.

On May 2, 1948, Bob married Jennie Beth Mellor at the First Presbyterian Church in O’Neill, Nebraska.  The couple lived on a ranch in the Cache Creek Area south of O’Neill until moving to Norfolk in 1966. He was one of the founding board members of the Farmers’ Cooperative in Holt County.

After moving to Norfolk, Bob built a robust business in laundromats in and around Norfolk. Among others, he owned and operated the Speed Wash, Palace, and King Koin laundromats. He eventually transitioned out of the laundry business and into real estate. He was the leading partner in the Tara Heights housing development.  Finally, as he neared retirement, he worked in the maintenance department at the Norfolk Lutheran Community Hospital. 

Bob’s devotion to the saving grace of Jesus Christ was important to him. He was engaged in numerous religious activities over the years. He was active in several churches, participated in the Full Gospel Business Men’s group, and hosted many traveling evangelists in his home. As recent as August 2018, he led the noon prayer at the Norfolk Senior Center where he had been an active board member.

Even though Bob moved away from the farm, he had a love for the natural world. He was fascinated by the grain of wood, the design of a stone, and the physics of flying. He had a keen mind for fixing things and repurposing items. He leaves a legacy of men and women that strive to enhance their world.

He is survived by his children Cheri (Dave) Thiel of Lincoln, Bonnie Gross of Norfolk, Darla (Steve) Weiland of Broken Arrow, OK, Karen (Delwin) Herbolsheimer of Pierce, Kay (Michael) Paulsen of Lee’s Summit, MO and Dr. Robert (Lecia) Summerer of Wentworth, SD, 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, step-brother Randall Bogseth of West Point, and nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Jennie Beth “Janie” who died on his birthday in 2010, parents, brother Carol Summerer and sister Joyce Harkins.

 Service Information