Robert Fred Senkel

Robert Fred Senkel 

Robert Fred Senkel passed away at his home in Eureka, MT on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from old age.  

Born in Chicago, IL, on April 20, 1938, he attended elementary through high school there.  He then joined the U.S. Army, serving for four years in Japan and Taiwan.  He met his future wife, Carol Jean Ostergren, in Okinawa, Japan, and they married after he finished military service.  After graduating from college, he began a career as a schoolteacher, teaching in the Chicago area, then in Anaconda, MT, and finally in Eureka, MT.  In 1981, he took his family to Melbourne, Australia, on a teaching exchange. He enjoyed teaching and was well respected in the Eureka community. In 1982, he and his family moved to Brookfield, IL, where he was hired as a Business Manager at an industrial magazine, SNIPS.  He was a lifelong Bears fan, a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, of 49 years.  He is survived by his son Robert E. Senkel of Alexandria, VA; daughter Margaret S. Otto and son-in-law Adrian Otto of Mountain View, CA; four grandchildren Jackson, Carter, and twins Kate and Audrey, all of Mountain View, CA; and nephew Charlie Carter of LaGrange, IL.   As a Chicago native, he instantly fell in love with Montana. He loved hunting, fishing, and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and fresh air. As he aged and was not able to hunt and hike anymore, he took up cards and enjoyed playing with a group of friends most Thursdays. A private memorial service will be held in the summer of 2026.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Eureka, MT. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 

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