Robert L. "Bob" Tonasket

Robert L. "Bob" Tonasket, 82, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother, Veteran and Respected Elder of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville passed away at his Keller, Washington home, the morning of Monday, November 7, 2022.

Bob entered this world Saturday, October 5, 1940 to Joseph Sr. & Mary Covington-Tonasket in Nespelem, Washington. In 1958, he graduated from High School in Curlew. Washington, where Bob was a member of the Basketball, Baseball and Track teams. From October 16, 1958 to February 7, 1952 Bob served with the US Army, stationed at Fort Ord, California during which time he completed his Basic Training as well as classes in "Code of Conduct", "Military Justice", "CBR Defense" and "Heating & Ventilation Spec." Fortunate to be able live with his Aunt Tani during his time at Fort Ord, PFC Robert Lewis Tonasket also qualified as "Sharpshooter" on both Rifle and Carbine, prior to his Honorable Discharge.

On Tuesday, January 19, 1965, Bob's life forever changed when he married Miss Lynda Pooler in Okanogan, Washington. Ever a hard worker – Bob logged and bucked hay for Louie Somday, bucked hay for Pete Holford, worked for the Colville Tribe installing fencing and worked for the Lincoln Mill in 1965, before settling in for 40 years as a heavy equipment operator with BIA Road Maintenance.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Bob enjoyed playing pool, going to the casino, hunting, fishing and especially bowling – participating in leagues in Wilbur, WA, then Grand Coulee, WA then Coulee Dam, WA for 54 years. 35 of those years were spent bowling beside his teammates and dear friends: Kevin Rosenbaum and John Stensgar. Bob's greatest joy in life though was time spent with Lynda and family, particularly their grandchildren, who always knew where Grandpa was during their sporting events.

Bob is predeceased by his son: Joey Tonasket; both of his parents; brothers: Joseph "JR" Tonasket, Frenchie Tonasket, Bill Tonasket, Randy Tonasket and Richard Tonasket and sister: Marilyn Tonasket.

His legacy lives on through his loving wife of 57 Years: Lynda Tonasket; daughter: Robin "Pickles" Tonasket; son: Robert "Pokey" Tonasket (Faith Zacherle); grandchildren: Alexis Tonasket-Hoyt, Keith Rosenbaum, Kammi Rosenbaum, Christopher Tonasket, Darin Tonasket, Tani Tonasket, Howie Bolmar and Gavin Zacherle; great-grandchildren: Carter Hoyt and Weston Hoyt; siblings: Sherry Johnson (Chuck); David Tonasket, Tina Kempf (Jay), Patty Hix, Anita Tonasket and Lucille Tonasket; as well as too many Nephews, Nieces and Cousins to count.

Bob's family dressing was at 2:00pm, Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 at Strate Funeral Home, Grand Coulee, Washington.  Rosary and Wake were held at 7:00pm in the Keller, Washington Community Center.  His funeral began at 10:00am Thursday November 10th, 2022, at the Keller Community Center, followed by graveside services in Keller, Washington's San Poil Cemetery.

"To all of you who helped Bob's family honor his life, 'Thank You' from my heart." Lynda Tonasket

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com for the Tonasket family.   STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for the family.