Robert Area 1944-2024
Robert Eugene “Bob” Area, 80, of Mayetta, passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 10, 1944, in Soldier, the son of Claude and Blanche Haber Area.
He attended Soldier High School. He lived in St. Marys and Norfolk, Neb., but lived most of his life in Jackson County.
Bob worked most of his life as a stockman, raising both swine and cattle. He also worked off the farm, doing things such as hauling hay long distance and road construction. He loved to trade commodities.
He served on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board in the 1980s. Bob was also a swine leader for the Mayetta Mustangs 4-H Club and he was proud to be an original investor in U.S. Premium Beef.
On Oct. 31, 1961, Bob married Grace Hasenkamp. To this union, five children were born, Beverly, Mary Ann, Robert, James and Michael. Grace preceded him in death in 1984.
He married Henriette Pruyser on Oct. 19, 1985, in Mayetta. They celebrated more than 38 years of marriage. To this union, one son, William, was born.
Survivors include his wife, Henriette of the home; six children, Beverly J. Raney (Rick) of Topeka, Mary Ann Area of Topeka, Robert M. Area (D’Ann) of Peyton, Colo., James A. Area (Melissa) of Hoyt, Michael R. Area (Cindi) of Mayetta and William C. Area (Kelcy Snyder) of Holton; a sister, Betty Bernritter of Havensville; two brothers, William “Bill” Area of Overton, Neb., and Jack Area of Topeka; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Blanche Area; a sister, Wilma Scheetz; and two brothers, Donald and Richard Area.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Jackson County Friends of Hospice or Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
