Robert P. Bahr

To live stream Bob's service, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Redeemer-Lutheran-Church-266091820100189 Robert P. Bahr passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, January 22, 2022.Bob was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Marvin and Violet Bahr on December 30, 1946. He was the oldest of 3 boys, and they spent many a day fishing and helping their grandma and grandpa at their lake property on Chain Lake. In April 1968, Bob joined the Air Force which began over a 5-decade friendship with Daren Tomlinson.After 4 four years in the Air Force stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, he moved back home to Wisconsin where he realized his heart was in Montana. He moved back to Great Falls and started his career in communications. He worked for Falls Communications for 35 years. In 1976 Bob met the love of his life, and fishing partner, Kate, at the West Side Vets. They were married September 9, 1978.Bob taught Kate to love dancing.They enjoyed weekends at the Moose Lodge where Bob was a member for many years, dancing at the Ramble Inn, Midway Bar, and West Side Vets. They had two boys, John Miller and Brian Bahr. Bob became very active in the boys’ baseball all through their school years and was even their coach in the early days. Bob was a remarkable dad who taught his boys how to fish and hunt.He left his boys the blueprint to be a God-fearing man, a wonderful husband, an incredible father, an amazing grandfather, a best friend, and a selfless man.He also shared his love of hunting and fishing with Kate's nine brothers and sisters, and later with their children and his boys’ friends. Bob was a very giving person.He would take the kids to his favorite (and even secret) hunting or fishing spot to show them the ropes. He didn’t care who got the biggest game or the most fish.All he cared about and wanted was for everyone to enjoy their time in the outdoors and to leave with a story to tell. Some people say “company is coming, put another cup of water in the soup”; Bob would say, “so and so wants to learn to hunt or fish, move over and make room in the truck.” Bob was an active member of Walley's Unlimited for 28 years thanks to his good friend, Roger Larson, even becomingpresident in 2000. Bob has filet and fried fish at almost every Walleye banquet. His involvement with teaching kids to cast their new pole at the Wadsworth Park Fishing Program gave him great joy.He also loved being Captain Bob at the Walleye’s Kid’s Fishing Camp at Tiber each year. If Bob was not dancing, fishing, hunting, or helping a family member or friend, you could find him putzing in his garage or engaged in a good poker game. Bob retired in 2006 and took care of his home and his wife, Kate, while she continued to work. In 2018, Kate retired from the post office. She and Bob went on many adventures. Their first was a cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Bob and Kate were able to fish and camp whenever they wanted so that is what they did. They made a trip to Colorado to see their granddaughters and help their son Brian settle into his new home. They had an amazing trip to Wisconsin to stay at Chain Lake and show his granddaughters where he spent all his summers as a boy. He taught the girls how to catch crappies, drive a boat, water ski, and clean fish. Grandpa helped his grandson, Ruger, build all kinds of ramps to jump his scooter.Ruger loved to camp up at Tiber with Grandpa and Grandma and catch a walleye (or two). Bob was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Bahr; mother, Violet (Paap) Bahr; and his brother, Ron. Bob is survived by his wife, Kate, of 43 years; his children, John Miller (Great Falls, MT) and Brian Bahr (Glenwood Springs, CO); grandchildren, Anabelle, Alea, and Ruger; brother, Dick (Monica) Bahr (Wisconsin); sister-in-law, Darcy; and his mother-in-law, Darlene Young. Bob is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in law; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many, many friends/buddies; and finally, his best friend and loyal companion, Rudy. Bob will be missed by many and never forgotten. A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (332 Riverview 3 W, Great Falls) on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Falls Chapter of the Walleyes Unlimited (PO Box 937, Great Falls, MT 59404).