Bob Vandell

A Funeral Service for Bob Vandell will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk, Nebraska with Pastor Daren Popple officiating. Interment will follow at the Fridhem Cemetery.

Charles Robert "Bob" Vandell, 99 years of age, passed away on December 24, 2025 at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege, Nebraska. Bob was born June 17, 1926, on the family farm southeast of Funk, to Verne Perry and Eulalia E. (Johnson) Vandell. Bob attended a District #15, a one room schoolhouse, until the 8th grade and then attended Holdrege High School, graduating with the class of 1943.

Bob then began farming with his father and his brother, Bill. He remembered the blinding dust storms in the dirty 30s and hand shucking corn in the 40s. In January of 1950, Bob enlisted into the Nebraska National Guard and proudly served until his honorable discharge in January of 1957. He spent six years with the guards, stationed in Kearney, Nebraska.

On February 14, 1953, Bob was united in marriage to Phyllis LaGay Sparks at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege and the couple were blessed with three children: Greg, Trudy, and Teresa. The family made their home in Funk and Bob engaged in farming in Phelps County. He loved his life as a farmer and enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers, especially his gladiolas.

Bob was a lifelong, faithful member of Fridhem Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He graciously served on church council, numerous other church committees, was a Sunday School teacher and was known to be the church bell ringer. Bob enjoyed singing in the Fridhem Choir and was in the Fridhem Men's Quartet. Throughout his life, his unwavering faith in the Lord remained his highest priority, a legacy he shared with his family.

Bob served on several community boards including the Funk School Board, the Fridhem Cemetery Board, Funk Town Board, the Divide Township Board, and also served on the Funk Telephone Company Board when the company transitioned the area to a dial system. He was a dedicated member of the Funk Fire Department from 1953, until he died. Bob also served on the Nebraska Prairie Museum Board of Directors and enjoyed volunteering at the museum whenever needed. He had a great love and pride for the museum.

Throughout the entire existence of Scout Troop #222, Bob dedicated his time as its Scoutmaster, earning the Scouts Key and Silver Beaver Award in 1984. He was celebrated for leading a troop where multiple scouts earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Honor.

Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; brother, Bill (Kathy) Vandell; sister, Alice Ann (Jack) Taylor; brothers-in-law: Ralph Delimont and Harry Weisman; nephew, John Taylor; and niece, Sonya Vandell.

Bob leaves to celebrate his life; son, Greg and Rona Vandell and their children:  Troy, Courtney (Tracy), Trevor (Beth), and Caitlin (Pete); daughter, Trudy and Jim Ekberg and their children:  Bret (Andrea), and Tanner; and daughter, Teresa and David Hohensee and their children:  Tavis (Katie), Chance (Sara), and Walker (Bailee); great-grandchildren: Elle, Drake, Grace, Quinn, Ada, Mirren, Karter, Halli, Emerson, Mack, Harlow, Hayes, Baylor, Maddyn, and Griffin; two sisters-in-law: JoAnn Wiesman and Beatrice Delimont; and other relatives, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

Memorials in Bob's memory are kindly suggested to the Fridhem Lutheran Church – Sound System Fund or the Fridhem Cemetery.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.