Robert "Bob" Aerts

Robert "Bob" J. Aerts, age 62, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at the Columbus Community Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Service and a Celebration of Life are open to family and friends. The Service will begin at 10:30 A.M Saturday at McKown Funeral Home with the celebration of Life following after at Maximus. Military Honors will be held by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate blood in memory of Bob. Bobs request was to have all those in attendance wear your favorite Husker shirt and blue jeans to the service and celebration of life following

Bob was born July 19, 1961, in David City to Frank and Mary Ann (Timms) Aerts and grew up on the Aerts family farm west of David City. He graduated from David City Aquinas High School in 1980.

A proud veteran, Bob served 9 years 4 months 28 days in the US Air force, attaining the rank of Sergeant before his Honorable discharge. He served in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm from August 02, 1990 to September 03, 1993. While serving his country, he earned many achievements including an Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, A National Defense Service Medal, An Air Force Longevity Service award ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, an NCO PME grad ribbon, a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and An Air Force Training Ribbon. Bob was proud to have done his duty to help defend the freedom of citizens across this country and was a member of the American Legion Hartman Post #84 for several years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and other family. Sharing stories, playing games, telling jokes, listening to classic rock, drinking Busch Light, watching Husker football, and watching old westerns were some of his favorite things to do. His personality and compassion made him a cherished and loyal friend to many.

Bob bravely battled through his difficult struggles with cancer, always with the support of his loving family. Though times weren't always easy, he knew that he was loved and cared for by those closest to him and showed tremendous strength throughout it all. Bob's unexpected passing comes as a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. He lived a vibrant life and still had so much ahead of him. He was taken far too soon.

He is survived by:
Wife: Jill Aerts of Columbus
Mother: Mary Ann Aerts of Columbus
Children: Ryan (Alicia) Aerts of Columbus, Jessy Widhalm of Columbus Zac (Jenny) Aerts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Griffen (Sierra) Aerts of Columbus
StepChildren: Brody Stara of Boston, MA and Ariah Stara of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren: Noah, Aubree, Carter, Gavin, Hunter, Lynnix, Rayleigh, Hudson, Rowen, Nolan, Sawyer, And Baylor
Brothers: Terry (Debi) Aerts, Dan (Margo) Aerts, Greg (Sharon) Aerts, Mick (Stephanie) Aerts, Russ (Jackie) Aerts,
Sister: Diane Mimick
Many Neices, Nephews, Cousins, Uncles and Aunts

He was preceded in death by:
Father: Frank Aerts
Nephew: Daniel Joseph Aerts
Niece: Stephanie Lynn Aerts