Robert Brekke

Robert D. Brekke, known as Bob Brekke, passed peacefully with family at his side on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City where he was being evaluated for a liver transplant. Bob was born in Scobey, Montana, on April 14, 1955, to Norman and Clarice Brekke. He was raised in Scobey along with his older sister Janice Brekke SanMarco, now of Strongsville, Ohio; his younger sister Carla Brekke, now of New York City; and his older brother Dick Brekke, now of Billings, Montana.

Bob attended Scobey Schools and graduated from Scobey High School in 1973. He then attended the University of Montana for several years and later graduated from Northern Montana College (now known as Montana State University-Northern). Bob returned to Scobey where his working career included farming and selling vehicles for many years at Erickstein Motors, Plentywood Ford and Solbergs (which led to his nickname “Bargain Bob”). He was active in the Daniels County community. He was a member of Scobey Lutheran Church where he sang in the church choir (which led to his nickname “Baritone Bob”). Bob was active in the Scobey Lions Club and would be pleased that his eyes were donated to the Utah Lions Eye Bank for research. Bob was also a supporter of the Daniels County Fair. His most enjoyable “side hustle” was as an announcer at KCGM, the local radio station in Scobey (which led to his nickname “Bunkhouse Bob” as he played older county/western songs). Bob loved playing cards, particularly at Gingers Bar with the many colorful patrons there. Bob very much enjoyed his life in Daniels County.

Unfortunately, about 20 years ago, Bob was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (liver disease), in part due to a genetic predisposition for such disease. This required him to move to Billings for medical reasons in early 2011. While he did not want to leave Scobey, over time he adjusted to his new life in Billings. Until recently he lived in an assisted-care facility on the St. Johns United campus in Billings, where he made many friends, played cards, and enjoyed an active social life. For years he read to children at the St. Johns United day care and pre-school. He also read to children at the nearby Arrowhead Elementary School where one of his high school classmates taught. Bob was called “Grampa Bob” by the children to whom he read. Bob was a member of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Billings and sang in its choir.

The last two or three years became much more medically difficult for Bob, and he so wanted a liver transplant. His hospital stays became more frequent and longer. Unfortunately, his liver disease caused other medical problems which disqualified him for transplant. He is now at peace. Bob is survived by his siblings Janice (Lou), Carla (Lamont) and Dick (Tamara), by his nieces Kristen (Mike) and Mallory (Emily), and by his nephews Kyle (Ally), Marc, Kurt and James (Christine), by his grandnieces Brooke, Harper, Mikaila and Emmy, by his aunt Jere Lee Gunderson, by his Gunderson cousins, and by his Brekke cousins. A memorial service for Bob will be held at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Billings on Friday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m. Bob’s family also plans to have a memorial service for Bob in Scobey this coming summer.