How does a family sum up the life of their beloved patriarch in a few paragraphs? There are so many memories filled with his love, humor and accomplishments. But to fully celebrate his life, we are going to try.

Bob (Robert) Nilges was 81 years old when his body decided to stop struggling with the life-altering effects of dementia. On July 3, 2023, he set his sights on Heaven and bid farewell to his earthly life. His family is rejoicing knowing that all Bob’s memories, by the grace of God, have been restored.

The most important part of a life story is family, and Bob cherished the family he created with his wife, Pam, during their 58 years of marriage. Theirs was truly a match made in heaven and this love brought three sons: Greg, Brian and Troy. His family grew to include daughters-in-law: Katie (Brian) and Paula (Greg), along with eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter with another due very soon. Grandpa Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren as long as he didn’t have to sit “criss-cross applesauce” because he definitely was not limber.

Bob loved his Catholic faith, his parents, brother, and extended family along with country music, playing guitar, dancing and fishing. And let’s not forget his frugality because most everything can be fixed and re-used - especially spark plugs. (Family joke!)

Bob’s career was in telecommunications, and he took enormous pride in owning his business, AmTel, and being dubbed “Bob the phone guy” in numerous businesses, medical, and attorney offices and KMC for over 26 years.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church (625 E. Haycraft Ave. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814) with a luncheon immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org). Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com