Netkow, Robert A., "Bob" age 84, Spring Lake Park
A WWII Navy veteran, Bob enlisted at age 17, serving on LST 991 in the Pacific. In October 1945 he and his shipmates survived intact Typhoon Louise off Okinawa, whose 92 mph winds and 35 foot seas sunk 12 ships, grounded 222 more and damaged another 32.At sea, Bob penned long love letters to Sunny, the Minneapolis nurse who would become his wife of 63 years. "As long as I live my love for you can never grow old, Darling,'' he wrote.
Politically, he tacked to starboard, and from that reckoning delighted in summer nights at the cabin, bull markets, manhattans over ice, sunfish in a hot skillet and Christmas parties with family.
Survived, in addition to Sunny, by children, Robert; Sylvia (Jim) Kosloski; Dan (Jean); Rick; Jim (Margi); Patrice (Paul) Aubrecht; and Janice (Dennis) Anderson; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and extended family.
Preceded in death by loving granddaughter, Hannah.
To Bob, from all: fair winds and following seas. Non sibi sed patriae. "Not self, but country.'' www.caringbridge.com /visit/robertnetko. Mass of Christian Burial, 11AM Monday March 22, 2010 at Epiphany Catholic Church, 111th and Hanson Blvd., Coon Rapids, 763-755-1020, with visitation starting at 10 AM. www.methven-taylor.com Columbia Heights 763-789-3338
Published in Star Tribune from March 19 to March 22, 2010
