Robert L. Kercher

GREAT FALLSRobert L. Kercher, Sr., 85, of Great Falls, died peacefully on May 22, 2017 at Benefis from complications of lung cancer.Bob was born on July 2, 1931, in Mitchell, South Dakota to William and Agnes (Martins) Kercher. He attended high school in Belt, MT and joined the United States Army in 1951 and served 3-years including combat in the Korean conflict. A source of pride; he was a radio operator in the 2ndAmphibious Brigade, awarded a purple heart for wounds received at the front line in North Korea and two bronze stars for participation in two major battles, and chosen by his unit members to receive a Presidential Unit Citation from Syngman Rhee, President of South Korea.Soon after returning from Korea, he met Patricia Peressini in Great Falls and they were married on July 21, 1956. Bob and Pat began their marriage working on ranches. They moved to Black Eagle and eventually to Great Falls. Bob worked as a facilities engineer at the College of Great Falls, and served as a state safety inspector for Montana's Department of Labor and Industry.Bob and Pat raised seven children: Sharon, Robert Jr., Keith, Steve, Karl, Lisa, and Kehrin. He is the grandfather to six grandchildren: Kaleb, Gina, Konner, Britton, Karsen and MaKellin.Bob was a great story teller, frequently entertaining his family with stories from his Army and cowboy days. Stories of his buddies and brothers, bears, snakes, fast cars, and runaway horses were often told at family gatherings. They were entertaining every time. Bob was passionate about golf, a sport he started playing as a young man. After he retired, Bob golfed nearly every week day through the 2016 season. He loved the game and enjoyed the friendships he made on the course. He was deadly accurate with his shots and a master at playing in the wind. At 75+ years of age, he managed to score two hole-in-one's on the 17thhole at Eagle Falls.Bob is survived by Patti, his wife of 60 years; his seven children; his six grand children; siblings Gene, Dorothy, Darlene, Maxine, Arlene and Betty; and loved nephews and nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill, Lyle, and Ivan; and sisters Wilma, Ruby, and Leota.At Bob's request, his life was honored in a small gathering of his family. His family is planning a memorial for him on the course at Eagle Falls. Condolences may be posted at www.SchniderFuneralHome.comhttp://www.schniderfuneralhome.com/.