Robert Muth's Obituary
Robert Muth
Robert Muth was a kind, gentle man whom everyone loved and adored. Anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with Robert was impacted not only by his kindness but also by his smile which was so genuine it reached up to his eyes and made them twinkle. Robert was born to Frank and Mary Muth on January 18, 1932 in St Anthony, North Dakota; he was the middle child of nine children, having 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Robert found himself moving to Tacoma, Washington to chase after the love of his life, Josephine Leingang, in 1952. They married on July 11, 1953 and settled in Lakewood, Washington but not before Robert was drafted into the Marines during the Korean War. After a two year stint in the Marines, Robert and Josie began their family and raised two daughters; Vickie and Cindy.
He went to work as a saw filer for Shortt Saw and Knife Company in Tacoma, Washington and worked there for 36 years. During the time he worked at Shortt, he also operated a saw sharpening business from his home garage for more than 40 years. Robert took great pride in the work that he did and people would bring their saws to him to drop off for sharpening but it was more than just a saw. There were friendships and bonds made as he touched the lives of the people he encountered.
Robert carried that same pride, precision and accuracy that he demonstrated in his professional life over into his personal life as well. His yard was always meticulous, there was never a tool out of place in his garage, and his clothes were always folded neatly.
He had a love for the outdoors. He was a hunter in his younger years but his true passion was fishing. He took every opportunity he had to head over to one of the local lakes and bring home some fresh trout for dinner. Just last year, he caught 109 fish and the fishing pole that caught those fish was handed down to his great-grandson, Lochlan. Another outdoor passion was the ocean. This was a passion the family shared together. They would spend countless weekends throughout the years going camping, clam digging, riding dune buggies, and strolling along the beach at Ocean Shores.
Robert and Josie shared an active lifestyle together and one of their passions was traveling. They took many trips to different countries around the world and also spent several winters as snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona. Among other activities they enjoyed together were playing cards and dancing. In their younger years, they could be found at least every other week dancing the night away at a dance hall or a barn dance. Most recently they had enjoyed evenings of dancing at the Eagles.
In addition to Robert’s love of the outdoors, he had found a new object of his affection. He had been enjoying spending one day a week with his great-grandchildren, Lochlan and Maddy. Spending this time with these two precious children had become the highlight of his week. He loved to shower them with affection in his own kind and gentle way that only Robert could do.
Robert very much loved life and he loved his wife. He was a devoted husband, taking care of his wife and showering her with love. They could often be seen holding hands as they shared their lives together.
Robert is survived by his wife, Josie, of 62 years, two daughters: Vickie Mack (Steve) from Graham and Cindy Reichman from Lakewood, granddaughter, Selina Rupers (Ben) from Tacoma, two great-grandchildren: Lochlan and Maddy, two sisters: Betty Mullner (Frank) and Dorothy Berreth both from Mandan, ND, two sister-in-laws: Helen and Loretta both from Mandan, ND and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers; Francis, Clarence, Richard, Michael and Raymond as well as one sister; Julie Ann.
He passed away peacefully at home from cancer with his family by his side on July 27, 2015.
The Memorial Service will be held in Mandon, North Dakota and private graveside services will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Franciscan Hospice.
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