A memorial service for Robert Lee Hale (Bob) will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sutton, with Father Jirovsky presiding. No visitation will be held as it was Bob’s wish to be cremated. A private family burial of the ashes will be held at a later date.

Robert Lee Hale was born to William F. and Doris (Fellhoelter) Hale on Aug. 15, 1960, in Plainville, KS, and passed away on Dec. 17, 2025, at his home in Sutton at the age of 65. He was the second- born child in a family of four. Bob attended school in Plainville through the second grade, after which, due to their father’s job with KN Energy, the family moved frequently, often yearly. They finally landed more permanently in Sutton when Bob was in junior high. Bob graduated from Sutton High School in 1979. Shortly after graduating, Bob joined the U.S. Navy, where he served proudly for 20 years. Serving his country was something Bob took great pride in and became a formative part of his identity. Over the years, he was stationed in both Florida and California. During his time in San Diego, CA, he fell in love with the desert, where he built and bought dune buggies and three-wheelers. Bob liked to invite people out to the desert with him and show them a good time, and he spent much of his time there. Bob was particularly handy and mechanically inclined and enjoyed fixing motors and working with wood. He sought to treat everyone the same, no matter their class or status, and extended an invitation to his table to anyone. After retiring from the Navy, Bob moved back to Sutton to be near family. In Sutton, he worked many years at the wood treatment plant and served as the Mayor of Sutton for two terms.

Upon moving back to Nebraska, his love for the desert transferred to a love for the lake. Bob bought a boat and spent nearly every summer weekend at the lake. For many years, Bob was active in taking his nieces and nephews to the lake, teaching many of them to wakeboard and water ski. Along with the fun and boating, Bob was also keen to instill some of his military training and required all kids, big and small, to pull their own weight and actively contribute. It was Bob and his brother, Bill, who, over many years, cultivated a love of boating and camping throughout the whole family. While his nephews eventually surpassed him in their wakeboarding and skiing skills, none could match him in the “Air Chair,” something he greatly prided himself in. Just like in the desert, Bob’s campfire was open to any and all to join. Bob enjoyed smoking meats and cooking delicious food.

Bob also enjoyed going to auctions, where he just couldn’t pass up a good deal, whether or not he needed it. Many friends and family benefited from his many deals and bargains. Bob had a desire to give, and to those he loved, he gifted and helped generously.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, William F. Hale; and his nephew, Bryce Erb.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Hale of Sutton; brothers William D. (Bill) of Sutton, and Terry and Jana of Minneapolis; sister, Donna and Merle Erb of Shickley; “son” from another, Chad Fellhoelter of Hastings; nephews, Jacob, Justin, William, and Nathaniel; nieces, Kelsey, Nicole, Elizabeth, Brandy, and Alyssa; along with their spouses and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

May he now finally be at peace.