KOBER, Robert
1943 – 2025
It is with hearts full of love and sorrow that our family shares the peaceful passing of Rob on Monday, May 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and community. His life was defined by devotion to his family, passion for education and the arts, and a deep commitment to the people and places he cared about.
Born in Trochu, Alberta, Rob grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance. He was a strong student and a talented athlete, playing community baseball and hockey. His love of sports continued throughout his life, with a large involvement in curling, both playing and coaching, as well as a proud supporter of his grandchildren’s many pursuits, especially fastball, and skiing.
After attending Donaldson School and High School in Trochu, he went on to earn an Arts degree and Masters in Sociology from the University of Alberta. In 1965, while still pursuing post-secondary education, he married his High School sweetheart, Phyllis. Together, they moved to Red Deer in 1969, where they began raising their family. Their son, Rob Jr. was born in 1968, followed by their daughter, Krista, in 1970. He taught at Red Deer College, where he made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike before returning to the family farm in Trochu, where he continued to farm for over thirty-five years. He found great fulfillment in working the land and also enjoyed woodworking, reading, and spending time with his family.
Throughout his life, Rob was deeply involved in his community. He participated in Central Alberta Theatre, played and coached curling, and contributed to the freestyle skiing community as a volunteer, including at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He served in various roles such as mogul starter and venue support and was a technical delegate for Freestyle Alberta and Freestyle Canada. Music was a lifelong passion. He sang in the U of A Mixed Chorus, Chamber Singers choir, the Mount Calvary church choir, and the Red Deer College Choir, sharing his voice and joy for music with those around him. Travel was another great love – he explored Europe, Russia, China, and Mexico, and especially enjoyed Viking River Cruises.
A man of strong faith, he was actively involved in Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, serving as president, secretary, and treasurer over the years. He will also be remembered for his warm smile, love of ice cream, and deep affection for the family dogs, Laddie, Misty, Brandy, Marley and Tug.
Rob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Phyllis, his son, Rob Jr. (Tonya), and his grandchildren, Josh, Jordan, and Chloe, his daughter, Krista (David Eisenhawer), and his granddaughters, Emily, Kate (Braden Reid), and Abbie (Jacob Libbus), his great grandson, Westyn, his brothers, Rick (Muriel), Elton (Lila), and his sister, Carol, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Rob was predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Violet and his brother-in-law, Richard Chrapko.
Rob will be remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His presence, wisdom, and kindness will be deeply missed… The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the staff at Rosehaven Care Centre, Camrose, Alberta who provided exceptional care to Rob and his family during his stay. A Memorial Service was held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 18 Selkirk Blvd., Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Don Hennig Officiating. For those unable to attend in person, please go to www.parklandfuneralhome.com and click on the Live Stream button just prior to 11:00 a.m. Interment was held at the Huxley Cemetery, Huxley, Alberta. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Rob’s honor may be made by eTransfer to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church at calvary@telusplanet.net or to the Alzheimer Society of Red Deer at www.alzheimer.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

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• Date : 2025-05-18
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com