Robert D. Barfknecht

Robert D. Barfknecht, passed away on December 17, 2025, at the Grand Island Veterans’ Hospital.

Private family graveside services will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the New York Avenue Congregational Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

Robert D. Barfknecht was born September 11th, 1928, to William A. and Ethel N. (Morrow) Barfknecht in Hastings, Nebraska. Bob grew up in the Great Depression.  He attended public schools in Hastings, graduating with the class of 1946. Bob attended Hastings College for one year and Colorado A&M at Fort Collins, Colorado, the following year.  On May 4th of 1952, Bob married Ruth (Leonhardt) at the New York Avenue Congregational Church in Hastings, Nebraska.  Bob and Ruth were married just short of 70 years, with the passing of Ruth in 2022. To this union was born Sue Louise, Mark William, Mary Ann, Lois Ruth, and Bonnie Roberta. Bob was drafted into the Army during the Korean War from 1950-1952. He served in the 47th Engineering Battalion stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas.

After serving, Bob worked for Grace’s Bike and Key Shop in Hastings. Later, he worked for several years as the Locksmith at the Hastings Naval Ammunition Depot. With the NAD closing down, Bob went to work with his father, as a painter. As his father retired, Bob kept the business going until he also retired. Bob had many hobbies over the years: Amateur Radio, Photography, Genealogy, and running 5 K’s to running full marathons.

Last but not least were the yearly family vacations to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, with Bob leading the family on countless trails in the Poudre Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as several hikes to the top of Longs Peak. Bob will be remembered for his love of his family, God, and his Country. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, and one daughter, Sue Louise, and his sister Ruth Boydston.