- Date Of Birth: September 21, 1928
- Date Of Death: January 28, 2014
- State: Nebraska
Robert W. Sunneberg, 85, formerly of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Village, Beatrice, Nebraska. Robert was born on a farm in Marshall County Kansas on September 21, 1928 the fourth child of Clem and Marie (Mitchell) Sunneberg. Robert’s grandparents were William Francis Mitchell, Sabina Gallagher Mitchell, Bernard Francis Sunneberg and Wilhelmina Hunninghake Sunneberg. In 1934, the family moved to a farmhouse in Pawnee County Nebraska, on a farm leased from Mr. Bill Binder.
As a teenager, Bob was known for his affinity for the wild life! The wildlife being the many critters that inhabited the timberland on the family farm just south of Johnson Creek. With his three brothers, Gerald, Bill and Regis, Bob loved hunting and trapping all manner of critters, including rabbits, squirrels, possums, minks, raccoons, beavers, coyotes, and an occasional skunk. Some of the animals were skinned, their hides tanned, and sold for cash, On various Sunday afternoons, Bob joined his Dad, his brothers, his Grandpa Mitchell and his Uncle Tom Hickman for a coyote roundup. Many neighbors took part as well. The coyotes threatened the farmers’ livestock; thus it was imperative that their numbers be reduced.
Bob’s favorite animals were horses and dogs. From time to time, he owned several riding horses. He was anxious to demonstrate his equestrian skills and more than willing to show off newly acquired saddles, cowboy boots, and a fancy lariat. Two or three farm dogs were his loyal companions. In partnership with his dad, and his brothers, Bob farmed and raised livestock including cattle and hogs. He enjoyed going to farm sales and was proud to bring home his purchases in his old farm truck. As a member of a farm family growing up in the Depression years, Bob played a significant role in the planting, cultivating, and harvesting of various crops, for example, alfalfa, corn, wheat, and potatoes. He assisted with mowing, raking, and baling hay, and shucked corn by hand as the faithful team of work horses pulled the wagon through the field. In the fall, Bob helped dig the many bushels of potatoes that were later stored in the cellar for the long cold Nebraska winters. As spring approached, the surplus potatoes were sold to those in need for twenty-five cents a bushel. The Depression meant there were always people in need! Bob and his parents and siblings survived the Depression years by their wise use of food products readily available on the farm. Milk, cream, butter, and fresh eggs were home-grown staples as well as produce from a large garden. At least once a year, Bob helped his Dad butcher a calf or a hog for meat! In 1952, Bob was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War, completing his Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1954, after attaining the rank of PFC, he was awarded an honorable discharge. He returned home and continued to farm, raise livestock, and help his Dad raise turkeys. He also cranked up his chainsaw to cut firewood for sale to the neighbors and townsfolk. In 1954, Bob and his parents moved to an eighty-acre farm a few miles away–a farm his Dad had recently purchased. This home came to be known as “The Hanna Place.
