ROBERT DON “BOB” CHATT was born December 18, 1917, in Tekamah, Nebraska, to Stephen and Ruby (Palen) Chatt. He passed away Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah, at the age of 93 years.

Bob graduated from Tekamah High School in 1935 and then enrolled at the University of Nebraska, where he lettered in swimming, was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and graduated from UNL with an Economics degree in 1940. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 17, 1941, and became a pilot. He received his wings in November 1941 from Major Jimmy Doolittle at Kelly Field in San Antonio. As a B-25 Bomber pilot, he flew 64 missions in the South Pacific and received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem and the American Defense Service Medal. He returned to the U.S. in 1943 and was sent to Command and General Staff School and Air Force Staff School.

Bob married Elaine Tobin on October 28, 1944, while in Tampa, Florida, where he was stationed at 3rd Air Force Headquarters. Bob’s last military assignment was to the U.S. Air Force Headquarters at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. In 1946, Bob was honorably discharged with the rank of Major.

In 1946, Bob and Elaine returned to Tekamah and Bob began his career as a farmer and dairyman. They lived on a farm northwest of Tekamah.

Bob was active in his community and served on the Tekamah-Herman School Board, Burt-Washington Drainage Board and local Coop boards. He was a member of VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating, and playing bridge. He was also a skilled woodworker and avid reader.

After retirement Bob and Elaine enjoyed winters in the south, especially Florida, and traveling abroad. Throughout his lifetime, Bob loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Elaine, of Tekamah; sister, Shirley (Loyd) Oleson of Crete, NE; 4 children, Susan (Bill) Langley, Stephen (Kathy) Chatt, both of Tekamah, Judy (Bob) Raue of Carroll, Iowa, John (Candy) Chatt of Coos Bay, OR; 10 grandchildren, Matt (Jody) Langley, Brett Langley, Adam Langley, Rob (Sarah) Chatt, Cindy Chatt, Kristy Chatt, Jennifer Raue Clark, Chris (Beth) Raue, Marcy (Matt) Chatt Thorp and Melanie Chatt; 19 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marguerite and Dorothy Chatt; brothers, Jim, Orville and infant brother, John.

FUNERAL MASS: Tuesday, March 1, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tekamah.

VISITATION: Monday 5 - 8 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tekamah. Visitation Tuesday will also be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

 BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15.

MEMORIALS: St. Patrick's Catholic Church Building Fund and the Tekamah Public Library.

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