Robert Donald "Bob" Wardell, 80, passed away Aug. 26, 2026.
Bob was born June 26, 1946, in Blair, to Merle Blaco Wardell and Enid Grace (Jensen) Wardell. The third of four children, he grew up on the family farm south of Kennard with siblings Richard "Dick," David and Anne.
Bob graduated from Blair High School in 1964 and studied diesel mechanics at the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford. A talented mechanic, it was a skill that would remain an important part of his life.
Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He entered active duty in 1967 and served as a construction mechanic with the Navy Seabees, with assignments including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Crete, Greece; and Vietnam. He attained the rank of petty officer second class (CM2/E-5) before completing active duty in 1970.
On Oct. 11, 1969, Bob married Nina Jean Gunderson. They had two sons, Jay and Kyle.
Following his military service, Bob worked at the University of Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. He later worked as a mechanic for Nagl Manufacturing and also worked as a butcher. A mechanic by both training and nature, Bob always seemed to have a project going.
Bob enjoyed baseball and was especially fond of the Oakland A's. He followed games closely, keeping track of pitches, errors, scores and the details unfolding on the field.
Some of Bob's fond memories began on the family farm. He enjoyed ice-skating and playing hockey on the farm creek and sledding during Nebraska winters. He was also known for putting on an annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the family home in Kennard, bringing family, friends and neighbors together for a picnic and a show.
Bob is survived by his sons, Jay Wardell and wife Jess, and Kyle Wardell and wife Katie; grandchildren Noah, Rowyn, Cole, Emmett and Quinn; brother Richard "Dick" Wardell; sister Anne Wardell; stepsister Marjorie Jones Hubbs; five nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Enid Wardell; stepmother, Mary Jones Wardell; and brother, David Wardell.
