Robert Wambeke

June 30, 1931 – Aug. 26, 2026

Robert Wambeke, 95, passed away on August 26, 2026, at his residence. 

He was born June 30, 1931, in Lovell to Ivo and Alice Wambeke and grew up on the family farm northeast of Deaver with his brothers and sisters, who shared the work of growing sugar beets. Every fall he headed to the mountains to go elk hunting with his brothers, which was a tradition that created memories lasting a lifetime.

Robert attended Deaver High School and played sports during that time. He graduated with the Class of 1950. He served two years in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. On April 28, 1955, Robert married the love of his life, Rita Webber, and they were blessed with four daughters.

Although Robert worked for Frannie-Deaver Utilities for 35 years, his true passion was farming. Upon his retirement from the utilities company, he acquired his father-in-law Ray Webber’s farm and farmed until moving to a home east of Powell. He continued his love for the land by planting a beautiful garden every year and sharing the bountiful harvest with many neighbors, family and friends.

Robert was an avid reader and read many books regarding historical events, the settling of the West and other biographical books, as well as western novels. He also did wood-working and made many bowls, cups and other unique creations, as well as walking sticks. It gave him great joy to give family and friends some of the beautiful things he made.

Although he was a soft spoken man who lived life on his own terms. His strength, humility and fortitude showed in how he lived his life every day. His story is one of a man who faithfully served his country, devoted decades to farming the Wyoming soil, was devoted to his wife for 67 years prior to her passing in May of 2022 and raised a family that continues to grow. His life was marked not by seeking recognition, but by quietly earning it.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister Simona; and brothers Julian, William, Marsell, Frank, Eddie and Freddie. 

Robert is survived by his four daughters, Rochelle (Bruce) Garriffa of Sheridan, Robyn (Jesse) Vine of Sheridan, Rhonda (Grady) Bradish of Billings and Rozalind (Joe) Wells of  Boise, Idaho; grandchildren Tyson (Jennifer) Bradish, Taylor (Katie) Bradish, Ashley (Aaron) Dykes, Philip (Kristie) Garriffa, Kelli (Joey) Heator and Conner Wells; great-grandchildren Wesley, Toby, June, Luca, Lexie, Jaxson, Maverick, Brooklyn and Cooper; sister Alice Cooley of Powell: sister Joan Barnett of Gillette; brother-in-law Kurt Webber of Bismarck, North Dakota; and sister-in-law Valerie (Mike) Hieb of Powell, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Robert’s descendants will cherish the many memories they have of him, and particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever love and remember their “Grandpa Bob.”

A graveside service for family and friends will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Deaver Cemetery. A meal will be served at the Deaver Town Hall immediately following the service.