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Robert M. Gagner Jr.

Robert M. Gagner Jr., of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Oct. 14, 2018. Bob was born on Aug. 9, 1941, in Brooks, Minn., to Robert M. Gagner Sr. and Rose Ann (Mercil) Gagner. He married Kathryn E. Marmon on Oct. 19, 1963, in Stanley, N.D. He and Kathy settled on the Rathdrum Prairie in 1968, and became a rancher and farmer while also working at Thayer Seed and Sod. After 30 years at Thayer, Bob operated his own business, Panhandle Spraying Service Inc., which he sold in 2014 and then retired.

Bob had a great sense of humor and an even greater capacity of love, as his family, friends and the frequent stray kids he and Kathy took in will attest to. He was larger than life, as is our love for him.

Bob was a true cowboy and team roping was his favorite pastime. He and Kathy became snowbirds and spent their winters in Arizona so Bob could team rope year-round.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Michael (Toni), Pam (Dan), Roxanne (Keith) and Nancy (Mark); grandchildren, Ryan (Chelsea), Kara (Branden), Nicholas, Hailey and Peyton; great-grands, Clint and Kimber; siblings, Mae, Angie, Mary Lou, Barbara (Vernon), Rolland (Nancy), Clarence (Diane) and Poncho (Char) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, his loving family of cowboys and cowgirls in the roping arena. Special thanks to Bill Flagg for his constant support and companionship through Bob’s illness.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at Bell Tower Funeral Home-Westwood Chapel, 8015 W. Main St., Rathdrum, Idaho, with a funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m., at St. Stanislaus Church, 812 W. Second St., Rathdrum. Interment will be at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum. A celebration of his life will be held following the funeral mass at 1 p.m., at St. Stanislaus Church. Please visit Robert’s online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.