Robert A. Warnecke passed away at his home, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Robert was born January 7, 1928 in Wilbur, Washington to August and Beatrice (Richardson) Warnecke, the fifth of eight children consisting of seven boys and one girl. He attended school in Wilbur graduating in 1945 as class president. He enlisted in the Marine Corp serving a short time before enrolling at Eastern Washington University earning his teaching certificate. His education was interrupted by the Marines to serve… Read More » one year in Korea during the war. Upon graduation he began his career in Okanogan, WA as a math teacher and coach. In December 1952 he married Frances Divine in Spokane, WA. They had two children, Holly and Greg and an adopted son, Doug. Frances passed away in 1981. While teaching, he attended Washington State University summers to earn his Masters Degree in Education. In 1962 he accepted the position of Superintendent of schools in Pateros, WA, for four years. He moved to Sedro Woolley in 1966 as assistant superintendent of schools, advancing to superintendent, serving in that position until 1980. Robert became superintendent of Conway Schools in 1981, serving until 1989 when he retired. After the death of his first wife, he married Bonnie Hart Gardner on January 8, 1983. They divided their time between winters in Mount Vernon and summers at Lake McMurray. He also enjoyed an annual fishing trip with the Ross Lake Invaders. They traveled to Germany several times to visit his father’s birthplace in Uslar, meeting many relatives. Some came several summers to enjoy a visit at Lake McMurray. Together Bob and Bonnie golfed with the WPA group and skied many places with friends. During his career, he served as Past President of United Way of Skagit County. Robert served on the boards of Compass Health and Youth Net. He was a member of the Sedro Woolley Rotary. He also served as chairman of the Legislative Committee for Washington State retired Teachers Association. Preceded him in death are his parents; first wife, Frances; six brothers and one sister; son-in-law, Rob Doyle and step-son, Jim Gardner. Surviving are his wife Bonnie; daughter, Holly Doyle of Sedro Woolley; Son Greg (Patti) of Minnesota and step-daughter, Susie Gardner Deyo (Tim) of La Conner; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Ashley Essig (Josh), Chad Deyo (Amber), Bill Doyle, Derrick Warnecke (Sammi), Jay Deyo, Jennifer Doyle, Michael Warnecke, Megan Doyle and Haley Warnecke; great grandchildren, Liberty Essig, Jolene Doyle and Jaden Sanderson; nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the loving care of Gayle and Marlene, his dedicated caregivers. Visitation hours will be Thursday, August 2, 2018 10:00AM to 8:00PM at Kern Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at Kern Funeral Home on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 2:00PM, with private family burial at Mount Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Skagit County United Way, P.O. Box 451, Burlington, WA 98233 or a charity of your choice. You may offer your condolences and share memories of Bob to his family online at www.kernfuneralhome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Arthur Warnecke 2018. Kern Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Mount Vernon, state: Washington