Bob Wiest
Robert J. Wiest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, longtime resident of Holyoke, died April 11, 2021, at the age of 94. The older of two children of Vern M. and Lillian A. Wiest, he was born Feb. 18, 1927, in Holdrege, Nebraska.
At the age of 3, he moved to Chappell, Nebraska, where his father was superintendent of the public schools. Robert attended schools in Chappell, graduating from high school in 1945. After serving in the U.S. Army in Europe, he attended the University of Nebraska for his predental and dental training. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in May 1954.
Robert and Ella Marie Fischer were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Lewellen, Nebraska, on Oct. 2, 1954. In 1955 he opened a dental practice in Holyoke and served the community as the sole local dentist until his retirement in 1992.
After retirement, he and Ella became winter Texans, spending three months of each year in south Texas to enjoy warmer weather while making many new friends. The warmer months saw a return to Holyoke to tend the garden and enjoy the local golf course.
Robert, affectionately known to many as “Doc,” was an active participant in the Holyoke community. He and Ella joined the Holyoke United Methodist Church shortly after arriving in town, and he served on many committees and church offices.
He served for 12 years on the Board of Education, including some challenging times and during building of the new high school. He served as president of the board for eight years and was able to hand each of his sons their high school diplomas. He served as an officer of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services and for two years on the state legislative committee of the Colorado Association of School Boards.
He was also master of the Holyoke Masonic Lodge No. 81 and a member of the Colorado Consistory and El Jebel Shrine. The Holyoke Golf Association, Order of Eastern Star and Chamber of Commerce were also recipients of his time.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce; son, William; and grandson, Garrett.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years; son, John of Tuscaloosa Alabama; son, James and wife Michelle of Idaho Falls, Idaho; grandsons, Alec James and Wyatt John Wiest of Idaho; granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn and Dusty Sterkel of Fort Laramie, Wyoming; and great-grandsons, Keagan Adam and William Roy Sterkel of Wyoming.
At his request, no service will be held, and his ashes will be spread on Black Mountain in Wyoming with those of his son and grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1001 E. Johnson St., Holyoke, CO 80734, or a charity of your choice.