The best person we have ever known entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Robert (Bob) Nommensen II was born January 17, 1956, to parents Norma (Hicks) and Bob Nommensen I. He was their first-born child and only son, followed quickly by four younger sisters. They were raised in a wonderful neighborhood, living a childhood of the 60’s. Christian values, respect for others, and learning to be responsible and caring were values they were taught every day.
He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He held many positions including Elder and Treasurer. His church and faith in God sustained him through many tough times and he knew that when he left this world he would be in God’s hands.
As a young boy, he joined the Cub Scouts, followed by the Boy Scouts, learning life skills that were valuable to him throughout his lifetime. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor that he was very proud of. The friends he made in Scouts have loved and relied on each other since childhood. He continued with Scouting, helping when his sons were involved.
Every summer Bob looked forward to going to work on his Grandparent’s farm where he learned the problem-solving skills and hardworking values that come with being a farmer and rancher. The years spent with his Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, and the Geraldine Community were some of his favorite years.
He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1974 and the College of Great Falls in 1978 with a degree in accounting. He later became a board member of the University of Great Falls and was honored to receive the University’s Alumni Award. He remains close to many friends from his school years.
Bob and Bonnie Ary were married November 3, 1979. They were blessed with the arrival of their sons, Joseph, in 1992 and Ryan in 1996. His sons were his greatest blessings and provided him with so much joy.
He started his accounting career with JCCS. During that time, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was always grateful for the support he received from JCCS during his illness and recovery.
He then joined the staff of Sletten Construction and later became CFO. His job allowed him to become an integral part of a company that he was very proud to be a part of. He was one of the founders and Directors of the MCCF and a member of the CFMA. Throughout his injuries and illness, Sletten has been very supportive and caring. He enjoyed his time spent with co-workers in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada.
Bob, Bonnie, and the family spent many years skiing the slopes of Showdown Montana. As members of the Ski Club, they had many enjoyable times with friends, including trips to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, France and Italy. They purchased a cabin at Monarch in 1994 and shared the cabin life with many family members and friends, hiking, biking, hunting, snowmobiling and enjoying God’s Big Sky Country and the Monarch / Neihart neighborhood. As a member of the Great Falls Snowmobile Club, the family enjoyed many snowmobile adventures and misadventures!
Joe and Ryan began playing soccer at an early age with the AYSO, Thunderbolts where Bob coached and then CMR soccer where he was their biggest fan, offering advice and coaching from the sidelines. He recorded all their games for review and teaching purposes. He played in the Adult Rec League until his health no longer allowed him to play. He instilled the love of soccer into 2 more generations of family members and enjoyed watching and giving advice. His favorite Premier League team was Manchester United and enjoyed his MLS team The Seattle Sounders.
His favorite movies were Top Gun, Maverick, and Ford vs Ferrari. The Need for Speed was his Motto! He enjoyed watching his friend, Don, race his rail dragster, watching the stock car races, NASCAR but he found his niche in the racing world when he became involved with the Sports Car Club of America – SCCA. He raced his cars, was the Executive Director of Region 105, race organizer, mentor, patriarch, and friend. You could find him at the race track every race and when he was no longer able to race, he was there cheering for Joe and could be found in the trailer making sure the races ran smoothly. His racing community friendships were special to him.
He is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 44 years, sons Joe and Ryan (Jamie). He adored being Grandpa to Kamdin and Cirilla. Sisters Jan Bicsak (Keith), Joan Nommensen Buglione (Paul), Patty Clark Bye (Wayne) Pam Nommensen (Roger Duncan), and brother–in–law Ron Ary.
He is Uncle Bobby to Jen Downing, Michele Bicsak Mans, Justin Nommensen, Michael Bicsak, Jeremy Nommensen, Dustin Stewart, Derek Stewart, Melissa Thomas, Amy Buglione Lindstrom, Jessi Payne and Austin Webb. His Aunts Judy Hicks, Kathy (Chuck) Webster, and Linda Nommensen.
He has influenced the lives of his many great-nieces and nephews who adore him. He leaves behind many beloved cousins and countless friends. He was thankful to have wonderful Doctors and Medical Professionals and grateful for the extra years the excellent care afforded him.
Services will be held Saturday, October 5th at 11:00 at the Trinity Lutheran Church followed by burial at Highland Cemetery and a reception at The Bridge, 3400 Flood Road.
Author: Staff
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