Robert Kayser, 91

Robert (Bob) Marshall Kayser, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 22, 2026, with family by his side. 

Bob was born May 25, 1934, in Farmington, Ill. He was raised in Whitewater, Wis., where he spent his early years before graduating from Whitewater High School. Following graduation, he traveled west to pursue his passion for the arts. He attended art school in Los Angeles and lived in Hollywood, Calif., where he worked at a theater and developed a lifelong love for creative arts, movies and storytelling.

In July 1956, Bob married Caroline Carter. They soon moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., where they welcomed four daughters into their family: Laura, Nancy, Susan and Julie. Bob worked at Arden Dairy before beginning a long and steady career with the U.S. Postal Service in Santa Barbara, Calif., and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he continued to work until his retirement.

Bob and Caroline were very active in Coeur d’Alene Bible Church at that time. His faith was an important part of their lives, and they were very involved in hosting and attending small-group Bible studies and participating in other church ministries. Bob was a very creative, hands-on individual with a wide range of interests. He was an artist at heart, enjoying sculpting and woodworking, often with some kind of project always on his mind, even in his small workshop.

He loved spending time outdoors, pursuing his passions for camping and fishing, as well as traveling to many places in the U.S. and around the world. Ping pong also became a passion of Bob’s, and, to the best of the family’s knowledge, no one ever defeated him — even if they were spotted points at the beginning of the match.

Fishing held his heart for many years. He mastered salmon fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene and loved taking people out in his boat to catch salmon — most came home happy!

Bob married Carole VanPatten in December 1996, a couple of years after the passing of his first wife, Caroline, to cancer. They built a life together in Twin Falls and then moved back to Coeur d’Alene until his passing. They enjoyed traveling together and spending the winter months in Casa Grande, Ariz. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Roberta and Norman Kayser; his brothers, Kenneth and Roger Kayser; and a son-in-law, Jeff Cheeseborough. He is survived by his wife, Carole Kayser; his brother, Bud Kayser; and one sister, Norma Jean Prucha. He also leaves behind his four daughters: Laura Cheeseborough, Nancy DeAustin (BJ), Susan Fasnacht (Bob) and Julie Gordon (Craig); 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His marriage to Carole added to his large family, bringing more sons and a daughter, as well as 18 step-grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at Yates Funeral Home Coeur d’Alene Chapel at 744 N. Fourth St. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canopy Village. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.