ROBERT LINDGREN – CLASS OF 1963
ROBERT LINDGREN – CLASS OF 1963
Lindgren, Robert K. “Bob” of Helena, Montana
1939 – 2015
In the early morning hours of June 9, 2015, Bob passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home in Helena Montana, after an extended illness, surrounded by his wife and family.
Bob was born in LaPorte, Indiana on September 25, 1939 to Ralph A. Lindgren and Georgia L. Kemper Lindgren.
He graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1958. As a cadet member of the Culver Black Horse Troop he was chosen to ride as an escort in the inaugural Memorial Parade for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In January 1963, he received his degree in Commercial Printing Management at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, where he was a member of the Pershing Rifles Honorary Frat. and ROTC Program.
Robert and Charmaine K. Freeman married on February 2, 1963 and soon after began their family of five. Robert reported to Ft. Gordon, Georgia in April of 1963 as a 2nd Lt. U.S. Army Signal Corp, and was then transferred to Fort Leavenworth, KS, General Command and Staff College, where he was assigned as Layout and Design Editor of the Military Review Monthly Army Magazine. Here their first child, Scott Edward was born.
In May of 1965 the family transferred to Ft. Monmouth, NJ, where Bob completed Advanced Communications Operations and Cryptography Schooling. From 1965-1968 Mannheim, Germany was to become their new home. Bob was assigned as Executive Officer in Company A 97th Signal Battalion. He was promoted to Captain and reassigned as Signal Batt. Adjutant for one year. Captain Lindgren was then assigned as Headquarters Co. Commander. During the first year as C.O., under his leadership, Headquarters Company was the only Signal Unit out of 16 battalions to pass the Command Maintenance and Material Inspection, conducted by a U.S. Army Military Independent Team. Germany was the birthplace of their third child, Vincent Kemper.
After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1968, Bob and family returned stateside, where he accepted a job in Livingston MT, with Lee Enterprises Printing, then eventually settled in Helena, MT where he was in partnership with Thurber Printing Co. for 14 years until he sold the business. He took a position with Lewis and Clark Co. Tax Dept.and was elected as County Auditor. While employed full time, Bob also served the community in numerous positions both paid and voluntary. Instructor for Officer Candidate School at the MT Military Academy, and MT Army N.G., National High School Rodeo Commission, Demolition Derby Chairman, Canyon Creek Dist. 4 Trustee Chairman, Boy Scouts, BOD Friends of the Fairgrounds, Lewis and Clark Co. Reserve Dept. for 24 years serving as Treasurer for over two decades. He was a member of: NRA, MT Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association, Rocky MT Elk Foundation and a 40-year member of the American Legion. His work in the community was an inspiration and will be missed. Bob was an avid hunter and outdoorsman with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charmaine. Children Scott (Jodi) of Helena, Amber Gerhart (Rodger) of Missoula, Vincent (Relinda) of Missoula. Grandchildren: Georgia Michel (Eric), Samuel, Nicole, Victoria, Nicholas, and great grandchildren: John and Honoria due in July, brother Ralph (Linda) of Arizona and their children: Brett (Emily) of Michigan, Tamara of Arizona, nieces and nephews: Garrett, Grace, Savanna, and Adrienne: Sister-in-law: Jean Stephens (Jason), Brother-in-law: Richard Freeman.
Bob was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, a kind and wonderful man, who loved his family dearly.
A graveside service will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.