Bobby was born 4 miles east of Bloomfield, NE on a farm. He came from a family of 10 children, 4 boys and 6 girls. He was baptized and confirmed in the Tabor Lutheran Church in Wausa, NE. He is still a member there after all of these years.

He was drafted into the Marine Corps in March of 1952 and was a Corporal. He went to boot camp in San Diego, CA, was stationed at Camp Pendleton before being sent to Hawaii for 5 weeks. He then boarded a ship to Korea. While on their way the cease fire took place, they turned the ship and went to Camp Fuji, Japan for 4 months. He worked in communications, where he drove a jeep with radio equipment and cargo for awhile.

He was discharged in March of 1954. He farmed on the family farm for awhile, then went to work in Montana on a combine crew. He returned to Bloomfield to farm some then the family moved to Norfolk. He began work at Simpsons Construction (which is Crafts now). He did some roofing, became a foreman and constructed steel buildings. He worked there for 31 years.

He lived at the old Veterans Home and moved to the new building in 2001. He is a life member of the Norfolk VFW and was a member of the Norfolk American Legion post for 42 years. He is also a member of the Norfolk Eagles Club.

He married his wife Jeanie in December of 2012. This was his first and only marriage. He was 80 years old when they married.