Robert “Bob” Ficek, 84, Dickinson, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013 in Dickinson. Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, September 2, 2013 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 6 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Robert Ficek was born August 21, 1929, in Dickinson the son of Joseph and Barbara (Kolar) Ficek. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, and received education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. Bob joined the United States Army and served honorably from August 23, 1946 to August 1, 1949.
He returned to Dickinson and was united in marriage to Dorothy Ann Splichal on November 12, 1952. They moved to Barnsville, Minn., and worked as a radio and TV technician. They returned to Dickinson where he worked at MDU for 30 years, and a short time at Electric Sales & Service and also Woolworth’s. In 1973 he opened the Music Hut and operated it for the next 30 years. Bob also opened Good Time Ol’ Time and loved to provide old time music to the community.
Bob loved fishing, especially with his lifelong buddies, John Wolff and Gene Hamlin. He was well known for his famous stew that he made for all the family fishing and camping trips, and later for his neighbors. As a grandpa, Bob loved to dance with his grandchildren to polka and waltzes, often putting them to sleep. He loved woodworking and made toys, including a rocking horse for all his grandkids. He and Dorothy were avid gardeners and loved to share their produce with neighbors.
In Bob’s last years he was determined to live close to his wife Dorothy who is at St. Benedict’s, so he could spend time each day with her. He especially enjoyed their daily Bingo games at the “lucky table”. He was quick to make friends by his desire to help people and by his fun story telling and jokes. He will be missed dearly by family and friends.
Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy; their six children, Duane Ficek, Dickinson, Royce Ficek, Spokane, Wash., Glenn Ficek, Greeley, Colo., Perry Ficek, Spokane, Wash., Jodene (Paul) Kessel, Dickinson, and Darcy (Dave) Haar, Centennial, Colo.; 21 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Martha Hoyt.
