Robert 'Bob' Allen Van Kleeck, 75

Robert “Bob” Allen Van Kleeck, 75, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away Feb. 2, 2022, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born Dec. 12, 1946, in Coeur d’Alene. Bob was the son of Donald and Dorothy (Woolsey) Van Kleeck.

Bob attended and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School. He furthered his education at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Bob at one time, was known to be the youngest Civil Engineer in the history of the state of Idaho.

Bob moved to the Silver Valley in 1972 from Coeur d’Alene.

Bob was united in marriage to Monica Gunderson on Jan. 8, 2011, at Johnny’s Bar in Smelterville.

Bob first worked in the Civil Engineering Department for the city of Kellogg. He then co-owned and operated Van’s Realty in Pinehurst, serving as a real estate broker/surveyor. Bob then went to work for Shoshone Honda in Pinehurst, as a mechanic. He also co-owned and operated AJ’s Restaurant in Smelterville with his former wife Alice Van Kleeck. Then lastly, Bob owned and operated Johnny’s Bar in Smelterville.

Bob was a member of the Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, the Kellogg Elks No. 1841, the Wallace Eagles and Johnny’s Dart Teams.

Bob loved and enjoyed most of all his family and friends, antique cars (especially his 1928 White Truck), darts, watching outdoor wildlife and doing projects and maintenance at the bar.

Bob is survived by his wife, Monica Van Kleeck of Kellogg; four children, Don Van Kleeck of Kellogg, Kelly Bergem (Christopher) of Pinehurst, Wendy Van Kleeck of Greycliff, Mont., and Melissa “D’Brat” Whitman (Preston) of Athol, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; and one sister, Peggy Yingling of Lewiston, Idaho; he is also survived by one niece and one nephew. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Flo; his wife, Alice Van Kleeck and one brother, Don.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at the Silver Valley Church of The Nazarene in Kellogg, with Pastor Dennis Stroup officiating. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at Johnny’s Bar in Smelterville following services; this will be a potluck and everyone is welcome. It is suggested that everyone wear their Johnny’s dart shirts for services.

Bob was most generous, he was very giving of his time and efforts. He so loved his family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with services. You may share your memories of Bob with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.