Robert Glen Walgren was born May 5, 1931 to Leslie and Lillian (Tatum) Walgren in rural Dundy County, NE.
Robert grew up and attended elementary school in rural Dundy County south of Wauneta and later attended and graduated from Wauneta High School.
After graduating, Robert worked at the local grocery store until enlisting in the United States Navy.
Robert married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lucille Voorhees on November 11, 1951 at United Methodist Church in Wauneta, NE. For Robert, this marked the date on which he joined the church, a membership that would last for 72 years. After the wedding, the couple moved to San Diego, CA for the Navy.
To this union, two sons were born, Rex Alan and Scott Robert both in San Diego, CA. The family moved back to Wauneta in 1954 and Bob went to work at the grocery store. Shortly after his return, Bob partnered with Dwight Hoff and the two formed Hoff’s Grocery.
Some years later, Dwight and Robert built Super Foods in Imperial, NE then later divided the partnership where Robert became the sole owner of the Wauneta store and Dwight became sole owner of Super Foods. Robert and his boys proudly owned and operated Walgrens Super Market until 2016.
When he wasn’t at the grocery store, Robert enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and poker. He enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Blackhawk, CO to try his luck at the slot machines. He enjoyed a great fish fry, founded the Walgren golf tournament in Enders, NE, and he enjoyed fighting fire.
Robert loved his community and enjoyed giving back where and when he could. He was a proud member of the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years, he also served as Mayor of Wauneta, was on the town board, the school board, was a Mason and participated in poker club. He found time to open Steakout Restaurant in downtown Wauneta because he just felt like the town needed a restaurant on Main Street. He enjoyed a good Limerick and he made the world’s best Bologna. A secret that Scott carries to this day.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Sharon; his sons, Rex (Kathy) and Scott (Karen); grandchildren, Jamie Wiess, Jeremy Walgren, step grandsons, Carson and Chris Watt, Raenelle Thoms, Michael and Daniel Gardner and Renae Watkins; 17 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Keith, Janice, Evelyn, Lucille, Maxine and Everett; and granddaughter, Katie Watt-Bradbury.
Visitation will be held Tuesday December 26 from 4:00-6:00 P.M (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday December 27 at 10:30 A.M. (MT) at Wauneta Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Loy officiating.
Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, NE.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wauneta VFD, Wauneta Senior Center or Wauneta Methodist Church.