Robert Ray "Bob" Berroth, 82, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023.
He was born December 26, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Edward Thomas and Lorraine Mae (Kietzman) Berroth.
Bob graduated from Topeka High School in 1958. He married Carolyn Von Soosten of Girard in 1959, and welcomed a daughter, Angie, soon after. After Carolyn's passing, Bob married Karen Schirmer of Overbrook in 1985. Bob and Karen had two children: Christopher (1986) and Jennifer (1988).
Bob served honorably in the United States Air Force, enlisting in August 1958 and serving continuously until 1970. He was stationed at bases across the country, including in Fort Worth, Texas; Lincoln, Nebraska; Caribou, Maine; Decatur, Illinois; and Topeka, Kansas. He also spent 15 months at Goose Bay in Labrador, Canada. Bob joined the Kansas Air Guards in 1977, and retired from the Air Force a Tech Sergeant in 1985.
Bob enjoyed working part time in several jobs after leaving military service. He found passion as a square dance caller for a number of clubs, including Shooting Stars, Lakeside Swingers, 16-75er's, and Burlington Promenaders. He was also a member of the Kansas State Square Dance Caller Association and Caller Lab.
In retirement, Bob enjoyed golf and made many friends playing and marshaling at Lake Shawnee Golf Club, where he was a member. Bob was also a member of the American Legion Post 400. In addition to golf and square dancing, he enjoyed the Kansas Jayhawks and St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Berroth; children: Angie (Tom) Taylor of Topeka; Christopher (Jolee) Berroth of Topeka, Jenni (Alex) Lahasky of Olathe; grandchildren: David Gaston, Kacie Shaw, Wyatt Ray Berroth, Dalton Berroth, Holly Berroth, Margaret Lahasky and Abigail Lahasky; five great-grandchildren; nephews: Tom Berroth, Jr. of New York and Tim (Dana) Berroth of San Diego.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carolyn Berroth; and his brother, Tom Berroth, Sr.
Bob will be remembered by his family as a true product of his generation: tough but affectionate; strong-willed, yet charismatic; competitive, yet generous; and above all, a family man.
Honoring Bob's request, cremation is planned. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610. The family will greet friends starting at 1:00 pm.
Inurnment of Bob's cremated remains will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens, 820 SW Auburn Rd., Topeka, KS 66615.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 400, 3029 US-24, Topeka, KS 66618 or to the Heart of America Chapter of Alzheimer's Association, 3846 W 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208.
To share your memories of Bob or to leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Bob's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time.
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