Robert “Bob” Neal Lohse

Robert received his gift of eternal life at his home in Sun City West, Arizona on Saturday October 14, 2023 with his wife at his side. He was born in Beatrice, Nebraska on December 4, 1935 to Orval and Nora (Holle) Lohse. He went to school in Kansas where his keen interest in baseball led him to be a very successful pitcher at Marysville HS. Bob earned an Economics and Business degree at Valparaiso University while continuing to be an outstanding pitcher and MVP in 1957. Pitching took Bob to four seasons in the Cardinals system where he reached Double-A standing in the Southern Association. Stationed in Germany for two years in the Army to satisfy enlistment Bob continued to play baseball and served as an athletic trainer for all Army sports. After the Army he returned to Valparaiso University to get a degree in Education & Physical Education while also serving as assistant basketball coach and trainer for all sports.
At Ball State University he received a MS in Business Education. For 4 years Bob coached baseball and taught business courses at high schools in California, Illinois. In 1967, he returned to Chesterton , Indiana where he coached varsity baseball and taught business subjects. He was the forerunner for all computer subjects. Computer education was very new in schools so Bob wrote many teaching manuals for his classes. In 1997, Bob retired after 30 years in the Duneland School Corporation.
Bob married Pat Gray and had two sons Michael and David. After they parted ways in 1982, he continued to raise his sons as a single parent.
Bob married, Narcine Shep Lohse, on October 15, 1999. They moved to Arizona and began new adventures. In retirement Bob taught computer classes at Fairway and Palm Ridge Recreation Centers from 2001 to 2015. Bob enjoyed lawn bowling and photography. He completed his goal of touring and taking photos at every national park in the United States.
Bob’s philosophy on life was to be kind and helpful. His advice to family members was ...if someone is unreasonable: Kill them with kindness. He often said the Our Father was the perfect prayer to live by and he said it every night out loud.
Bob is survived by his wife, Narcine; his sons, David (Cynthia)Lohse, Michael Lohse of Indiana; brother, Alva Lohse of Clermont, Florida; grandchildren, Jessica (Blake) Hair, Rebecca (Grant) Oehler, Eric Lohse, and Kathryn Lohse of Indiana; great grandson Weston Oehler of Indiana; nephews, Stuart Lohse, Brian (Debbie) Lohse of Florida.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Nora (Holle)Lohse , his first wife Patricia (Gray) Lohse ,and his sister-in-law Darlene (Alva)Lohse
Bob was a faithful member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church his entire life. A private family prayer service was held on October 19th at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, SCW.
Another scripture service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Sun City West at 2:00 pm on November 21, 2023. Refreshments to follow the service.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Chesterton, Indiana.