Robert Toelke

Robert Lee Toelke of Ronan, Montana, passed in peace on Oct. 14, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born on April 14, 1933, and adopted by Herb and Helen Toelke in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the Great Depression, the Toelke family migrated west where they transitioned from Nebraska farmers to Montana cowboys. Robert grew up to love horses and the great outdoors. He worked right alongside his father Herb as an outfitter.

In high school, Robert met a woman who loved horses as much as he did. Robert Toelke and Donna Schiele were married June 3, 1953. Donna would always tease that she married Robert for his horses. Over the years, they owned and managed horse concessions in Glacier Park, hunting camps in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and a 12,000 acre cattle ranch.

“Billy Goat Bob” was a crack shot and an amazing outdoorsman. He was a wonderful horseman with a special talent for working with horses and mules. With over 250 head of livestock, he knew each horse and mule personally. Robert and Donna shared their love of horses till the day she passed on May 27, 2012.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Donna and his sister Mary Lou Elman. Robert and Donna had three sons: Kim, Dan (wife Amy) and David (wife Becky). Their grandchildren: Amber, Heather, Matthew, Jesse, Holly, Hope, Jared, Tucker and Seth. Robert and Donna also had 17 great-grandchildren.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1

There will be a memorial service held at the Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016.