Robert Ferdinand "Bob" Ehlke, 95, Minot and formerly of Russell, ND died on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in a Minot hospital.

Robert was born on March 19, 1913 on the family farm near Russell, ND to Ferdinand and Emma (Yahnke) Ehlke. He was raised on the family farm and attended rural schools in that area. As a young adult he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) before returning to the Ehlke family farm in Tacoma Township of Bottineau County. For most of his adult life he raised small grains and was a steward of the land that his family nurtured for many years. In addition, he was employed at Minot Air Force Base for a short time. He retired from farming in 1975, and moved to Lake Audubon where he spent his summers, and winters in Mesa, AZ. In 2006 he moved to Minot.

Robert was a member of the Eagles Aerie and was affiliated with the Lutheran faith. He especially enjoyed traveling, fishing and gardening.

Survivors include his sister, Aurelia Blada of Bottineau and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Louise Koch, Margaret Brodel, Rose Brandt, Hattie Foubert, Alta Jacobson and Alvera Goodman and brothers: Rudolph, Henry, August, John and Theodore Ehlke.

Funeral Service: Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel - Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens - Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials: Preferred to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.