ROBERT TALMAGE
May 28, 1929 - November 30, 2007

Robert (Bob) G. Talmage, age 78, of New Richmond passed away on November 30, 2007 after a lengthy illness.

Bob was born in Dunn County, Wis., to Ernest and Viola (Lewerenz) Talmage. He grew up in the New Richmond and Deer Park area and graduated from New Richmond High School in 1947.

In October 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served in the Korean War before he retired in June of 1968 as a technical sergeant. Bob married Alice Strand in 1952. He was stationed in many locations during his 20-year military career, including Japan, the Philippines and Germany. The couple's two sons were born in Canada and their daughter was born in Germany.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bob and his family returned to New Richmond. They eventually built a home on the farm were Alice was born and raised, and Bob spent many years improving the farm and establishing a dairy operation. He also worked at Doboy Packaging Machinery for 10 years, and then served as a driver for the New Richmond Senior Center for 12 years. In 2003, health issues forced Bob to retire for the final time.

During his military service, Bob received the following decorations and awards: Air Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Medal. Bob also was a member of the American Legion Post No. 80 and VFW Post No. 10818.

Bob joined the Masonic Lodge in June of 1954. He was active in the New Richmond Masonic Lodge, where he served as Master of the Lodge in 1982 and was named Mason of the Year in 1995. He also held memberships in several affiliate organizations of the Masonic tradition, including the Royal Arch, Scottish Rite, Zor Shriners and Masonic units in Ottawa, Canada.

Bob is survived by Alice, his wife of 55 years, and their three children, John (Kalispell, Montana), Steve (Jeri Ann) of New Richmond, and Dianne (New Richmond); five grandchildren, Christi, Daniel, Karen (Michael Nielsen), Amanda, and Victoria Talmage; two great-grandchildren, Liberty and Elle Nielsen; brother Lloyd Talmage; and sisters Fern Wilbur, Dorothy Maas, Carol Wilbur and Betty Clark. He was preceded in death by his beloved younger brother, Donald (Joan) Talmage.

Active casketbearers were Harold Christenson, David Kirchknopf, James Klemesrud, Neal Strand, Daniel Talmage and Donald Talmage, Jr. Honorary casketbearers were Curt Anderson, Victor French, David Heinbuch and Harlan Vehrs.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 3, at First Lutheran Church, with Pastors Jorstad and Buresh officiating. Vocalists were Jeri Ann Rang and Jennifer Balow. Pianist/organist was Mary Barney. Visitation was from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. at the Beebe Mortuary on Sunday and for one hour on Monday prior to church services. Interment was at the New Richmond Cemetery. Memorials are preferred, either to the American Lung Association or to First Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were with the Beebe Mortuary.

(New Richmond News - Thursday, December 6, 2007)


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