Obituary of Robert Zellmer

Robert D. Zellmer Sr. was born on Oct. 29, 1931 in Stanley Twp., Marshall Minnesota and began his next life’s journey on September 13, 2018 in Puyallup WA. Robert, known as “Bob” was raised a farm boy who started his days with early mornings in the cornfields and feeding cattle before the walk to school. Becoming a primary financial contributor to the family, Bob missed a lot of school, but was persistent in his ability to graduate. After graduation he was offered a football scholarship to Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, which was interrupted by his draft notice in 1950. Bob served his country in the Army during the Korean War Era. He got out in 1953 and married his “Darlin” Marjorie (Marge) Graffunder. He became a pioneer in both radio and cable television, beginning his career in Bemidji, MN. at KBUN Radio. From that beginning came a lifetime career that spanned some 6 decades, filled with engineering, building, operating, and selling Radio and Cable TV operations throughout the mid to western U.S. He loved the challenges that came with small market radio. High school sports, local news and activities, and mostly bringing a voice to communities that never knew the importance of their own radio identity. Bob and Marge found years of happiness in the mountains of Colorado and Arizona, the plains of Greeley and Wray Colorado, and the desert of Fountain Hills Arizona. Health and family brought them to Washington where Bob went to sleep in his own bed on September 13. He was comfortable, ready to meet our creator, and prepared to embrace and share in our lives from above. Bob leaves behind his bride of 66 years, Marge Zellmer, son Robert D. Jr. (Robb)and wife Cathy, grand daughters Nellie (Ryan) and Cristie (Jerry), and great grand daughters Nyah and Alize(Nellie and Ryan). Also, son Gary L. and wife Sylvia, granddaughter Brook (Tom), grandson Josh (Crystal), and grand daughter Jordan. Great grand children Phoenix, Austin, Jericho and Kodiak (Josh and Crystal), Cami and PJ (Jordan), and Peter and Annabelle (Brook and Tom). A military service will be held at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Wa., at 1 PM on September 27, 2018. In lieu of flowers Bob requested that donations be made to the ASPCA. Also, please take a few minutes and listen to your favorite radio station, and smile with Grandpa when you see an old John Deere!