Robert Henry Wartgow

Bob Wartgow, 85, of Hansen, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Butternut, Wisconsin, Bob was the fifth child of Arthur and Lydia Wartgow. He graduated from Park Falls High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1959.

While serving at the Marine cold-weather training station in Bridgeport, California, he went on leave to a small town in Nevada, where he met Betty Downs. They were married in October 1961 and shared more than 64 beautiful years together.

Life presented Bob with many challenges early on. His father passed away when he was just 10 months old. His mother remarried when Bob was three, but his stepfather, Carl Rominske, was tragically killed in a silo accident when Bob was 13. Earlier that same year, Bob’s 19-year-old sister died from Leukemia. These hardships shaped a resilient man who built a strong life through determination and hard work, and a man who had the most sentimental, and softest heart for those he loved.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Bob began his apprenticeship with the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. He excelled in the trade, earning recognition as the number one rated apprentice in the state of Nevada in 1966, 1967, and 1968. In 1968, he won first place in a national plumbing trade competition held at Purdue University.

Bob loved being with his family, camping and fishing in the Sierras, and hunting and fishing in Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho. His quick wit and sayings, his sly smile and stubbornness will forever be remembered.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Bobby; his parents and step father; three sisters; and one brother.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; his daughter, Kim (Matt) O’Brien; daughter-in-law, Sandy Wartgow, and his seven grandchildren: Kaleb (Amanda) Wartgow, Luke (Gina) Wartgow, Kendal (Gideon) Burnham, Amanda Premo, Jacob (Ashley) Wartgow, Phil (Maddie) O’Brien, and Andrew (Allie) O’Brien. He also cherished his 13 (soon to be 14) great-grandchildren. Bob is further survived by his brother, Kenneth (Danette) Rominske, many beloved nephews and nieces, and his longtime friend Jon (Marilyn) Wilson.

Bob’s legacy lives on through the love of his family, the pride in his craftsmanship, and the Marine values he carried throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on July 25, 2026.