Robert Donald Uecker

Robert Donald Uecker was born on Jan. 6, 1944, in Baker, MT, to Arnold Herman Henry Uecker and Margaret Schwindt Uecker. He passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Yakima, WA, while holding the hand of his beloved companion of 38 years, Gail Marie Skidmore.

Bob had a deep love for Baker, where he spent much of his early life. From a young age, he worked in the oil fields as a “roughneck,” building a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. He was married in 1964, and that same year welcomed his first daughter, Lora Lee Uecker. In 1973, his second daughter, Misty Marie Uecker, was born. Though he later divorced, Bob continued to live and work in Baker for many years.

In 1987, Bob met Gail Skidmore. After a few years together, they made the move to Yakima, WA in 1989, where they built a life side by side for the rest of his years.

In Yakima, Bob became close friends with Bill and Mable Reece and soon became their trusted handyman, caring for their rental properties. He took pride in working independently, setting his own pace and schedule. This way of life gave him something he valued deeply, the ability to spend time with his grandchildren whenever he wished. For them, time at Grandpa Bob’s was something special, and many would say it was their favorite place to be.

Bob had a special love for animals, especially his beloved poodle, Keno. The two were inseparable. When Keno passed in 2021, it was a tremendous loss for Bob and marked a noticeable decline in his health. In 2023, he spent time at Willow Springs Nursing Home, working to regain his strength with hopes of returning home to Gail. In 2024, he was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration, a rare form of dementia. Although he was able to remain at home for a time with support, his care needs eventually grew beyond what could be managed there. In May 2025, Bob was admitted to Good Samaritan Nursing Home, where he remained until his passing. It was a place familiar to his family, as his mother had also spent her final years there.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Leingang; his brothers Scottie, Fred, Arnie and Herbie Uecker; and his beloved pets Keno, Tiffer, and Ophelia.

He is survived by his loving companion, Gail Skidmore, and their fur babies, Jane and Giovanni; his daughters, Lory Uecker and Misty Uecker McClain (Arrow); his grandchildren, Tomara Martin, Francesca Crocker, Jonathan McClain, and Madison Mc- Clain; his sisters, June Lee (Fred) and Dolly Etchison; his brothers, Clayton, Kelly (Brenda), and Tony Uecker; his sisters-in-law, Teresa and Sharon Uecker; along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A special thank you to Paula Rebar, Bob’s former sister-in-law, who remained a steady presence in his life over the years. Her continued love and support meant so much to him.

Bob will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held this summer. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.