Robert Ehli

Robert Thomas Ehli passed away January 28, 2016, at Sanford Health, Bismarck, with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, February 5, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, February 4, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a vigil/prayers will begin at 7:00 pm. In following his wishes, cremation has taken place. Robert was born August 10, 1932, in Mandan, ND, the son of John Ehli and Barbara (Barth) Ehli. He grew up and attended school in Mandan. He joined the USAF and served during the Korean War, and was stationed in Germany as an air traffic controller. Upon his return to Mandan, he worked at the Mandan Refinery for some years. He then went to work as a boiler inspector for insurance companies and was Chief Boiler Inspector for the state of North Dakota. He finished his career at Great Plains Coal Gasification Plant in Beulah where he was inspection supervisor for 15 years. Bob married Patricia Speaks on January 7, 1956, and the couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Bob was a loving, gentle, kind and compassionate husband to his wife and father to his children. Bob enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons. He was an excellent bowler and softball pitcher. He looked forward to his vacations with family at Minnesota lakes. Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia; his five children, Dawn (Dave) Nelson, Robert (Lorrie) Ehli, Terry (Stacy)Ehli, Jill Strand, and Kellie (Nate) Brooks; his grandchildren, Kirsten Nelson DeGroot, Robert Nelson, Rebecca Nelson, Tina (Ehli) Kloss, Michael Ehli, Irene Conkle, Hannah Ehli, Amber Ehli, Timothy and Matthew Ehli, Ryan and Laura Strand, and Katelyn and Patrick Brooks; 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters and one brother-in-law, JoAnne Stumpf, Josephine Ellingson, Mary Kaye and Dave Werner and Susan Stuart; and his mother-in-law, Eleanor Speaks. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughters, Erika Nelson Liebert, and Kathryn Nelson; and three brothers-in-law. Bob will be remembered as a wonderful, kind, loving, and unselfish person who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.