Robert Charles Donckers
CARSON CITY, NV – Robert Charles Donckers, 58, of Carson City, Nevada passed away on October 5, 2016 at the Renown Regional Medical Facility, Reno, Nevada after suffering a severe stroke while at work.
Robert was born on February 5, 1958 at St. Mary’s Hospital Marquette, MI. to the late Frank C. and Elizabeth (Betty) Donckers Jr.
He attended both Marquette Parochial and Public schools, graduating from Marquette Senior High School in 1977 where he was his senior class president. During his school years, Robert enjoyed participating in sports, but he particularly enjoyed ice hockey. He was a starting defenseman for the 1973 Bancroft Dairy Bantam AA State Championship team coached by Bill Ostwald. Although Robert would have never been a serious contender for the Lady Bing Award, if awarded in junior hockey; he was, however, considered a talented and formidable opponent when on the ice.
On December 9, 1977 Robert was awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal by the United States Coast Guard for heroic action after he rescued a drowning woman after a boating accident on July 4, 1975. That award is second only to The Gold Life Saving Medal, both of which are infrequently awarded.
Robert was a graduate of several trade and technical schools both in Marquette and Nevada. He was a master mechanic who specialized in heavy duty hydraulic repair and rebuild. At the time of his death he was employed by Reno Hydraulic & Rebuild, Inc. in Reno, Nevada.
In his spare time he enjoyed going to flea markets and estate auctions always looking for a good bargain. Robert was an avid gun collector who not only liked collecting weapons but he enjoyed shooting them as well and was considered an expert marksman.
He also enjoyed rebuilding old cars and trucks and it was always a surprise when one lifted the hood of a vehicle that Robert had been working on.
Robert is survived by two brothers, Frank C. (Linda) Donckers III and Tom Donckers, both of Marquette. Nieces, Major Jessica (Dan) Donckers Grassetti, Pinehurst, North Carolina and Cristelle (Andrew) Donckers Koerper , Palmyra, Virginia, nephew, Fritz Donckers, Moran, Michigan, Aunt, June (Anderson) Hare, Novi, Michigan, Uncle, Robert Anderson, Pahrump, Nevada, Aunt, Nancy (Fred) Donckers, Marquette, Michigan, Aunt Ingrid (Gary) Donckers Alkire, Bessemer, MI and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank C. and Elizabeth (Betty) Donckers Jr. , Grandparents Frank C. (Ingrid) Donckers Sr., Matt B. (Aurora) Anderson, Aunt Elizabeth (Betty Jo) Donckers Mrotek and his Uncle Fred W. Donckers.
Graveside services for Robert will be held next spring when he will be interred next to his Mother, Father and Grandparents in Holy Cross Cemetery, Marquette, Michigan.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories can be shared at canalefuneral.com.