Robert "Bob" W. Ard, Sr., 83, of rural Minden, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Kearney Regional Medical Center – Bryan Health in Kearney. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Frist Christian Church in Minden with Kay Tira and Rev. Emily Wycpalek officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the White Hill Cemetery, north of Minden. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Robert "Bob" William Ard, Sr. was born on August 13, 1941 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Mary (Salvo) Ard. He grew up in the Oak Park, IL area, and attended school at Long Fellow, High Oak Park, College Eastern IL, Del Mar College and the University of Corpus Christi Texas. He entered the United States Army where he faithfully served from May 2, 1960 to May 16, 1962.

He was united in marriage to Linda (Burchell) Gifford on August 23, 1986 in Corpus Christi, TX. The family made their home in Corpus Christi, where he was employed by Del Mar College. The couple later moved to Minden, NE.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda Ard of Minden; children, Robert (Missy) Ard, Jr. of Midland, TX, Janice Ard of Corpus Christi, TX, Emily (Jim) Wycpalek of San Antonio, TX, Jeremy Gifford of Corpus Christi, TX, and Tamara (Jason) Wilson of Corpus Christi, TX; grandchildren, Jason Clark, Racheal Adame, Tyler Ard, Robert Ard III, Amanda Wilson, Allison Wilson, Ashley Wilson, Jamie Wycpalek, Sydney Wycpalek, Brayden Wilson, and Oliver Wilson; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas Ard, Sr.; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, employees and students.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .