Robert Dickman

Robert J. Dickman, 98, of Grinnell, died Sunday June 19, 2011. Robert, the seventh child of Barney and Regina (Robben) Dickman, was born on the family farm near Menlo, KS on June 6, 1913. He attended country school near their home and went to Atchison, KS to Maur Hill High School for two years, one year at Menlo and graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, KS. On June 1, 1942, Eunice (Andregg) and Robert were united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Church in Oakley, KS. Bob and Eunice began married life in Wichita, KS where Bob was employed as a sheet metal worker for Boeing Airplane Co. In October, 1942, Bob joined the U.S. Army. Robert Joseph, Jr., was born in Wichita, KS. It was 2 months before Bob was able to see his son. In November, 1943, the family was together again in Kessler Field Army Base near Biloxi, MS, where Bob was an instructor in the airplane mechanic school. Their second child, Juliana Jane, was born there. The last four children were born after moving to Grinnell. Rebecca Rose, Lucinda Joan, Thomas Herman, and Benedict Charles. Following Bob’s discharge from the Army in November, 1945, the family moved back to northwest Kansas on the farm with Walter and Paulina Andregg while Bob and other family members built their home in Grinnell, KS. Bob became a partner in business with his brother, John. They changed the name of the business to Grinnell Electric Company and expanded the building. John and Bob did general mechanic repair, electrical wiring, sold appliances, radios and televisions. In the early 1950’s they started the first diesel pump service in northwest Kansas. Bob gave much of his time to community development. He was instrumental in bringing the curb and guttering to Grinnell, also played a large part in getting the S & T Telephone system to Grinnell. He served as PTA president, and was a member and president of the school board during the building of the high school addition. Previous to that he was the representative from Grinnell on the School Unification Board. Bob and Eunice, with their children, were active in the Immaculate Conception Parish
One of his projects was to have the statue of the Blessed Mother, which stands in the church vestibule, repainted. He then built a wood and glass display case for the statue to be on permanent display.

Survivors include children; Robert J. (Leona) Dickman, Julie (Neal) O’Brien, Becky Roberson, Cindy Degenhardt and Ben (JoAnn) Dickman; two brothers Edmond & Gilbert Dickman; one sister Jean Rietcheck; 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by wife Eunice, son Thomas, grandchildren Reid O’Brien, Camille O’Brien and Tiffany Dickman

A visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Parish Center with a vigil service at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church, Grinnell, with burial in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials are suggested for family members with special needs, Masses or the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748.