ROBERT BEBAAMAJIWEB GEERKEN

Robert “Bobby” Geerken found his wings on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the age of 67.
Robert was born in New Orleans, La. and moved to Lac La Croix, Ont., where he lived with the love of his life for more than 20 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Eugene Geerken; and his brother and best friend, William Geerken (Mary).
He is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 20 years, Karen Ogimabineseek Ottertail Geerken.
Affectionately known as “Uncle,” Robert had a great deal of nieces and nephews who thought of him as a dad, including Mark Geerken of International Falls, Mn., Debra Harrison (Tom) of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Cherie Subervielle (Terence) of River Ridge, La. and Dawn Miles (Chaz) of Metairie, La., and Christie Brown (Michael) of Fort Frances, Ont.; and many more grand-nieces and nephews, including his great-nephew, Jared Robert Ottertail, whom he had fostered for many years.
He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Irene Boshey, Helen Kakegamic (Chris), and Anna Ottertail; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Connie), Edward (Alma), Henry (Lillian), Stanley (Rhonda), Fabian (Colleen), and Sheldon (Laura) Ottertail; aunt, Lucille Achee; as well as numerous relatives in Louisiana.
Robert attended East Jefferson High School and spent a year in St. Joseph Abbey Seminary in St. Benedict, La. before deciding the priesthood was not his calling.
He was a former employee of Ochsner Hospital but found his true calling as an expert chef. He found great joy in cooking for others and teaching others how to cook.
He also attended Rainy River Community College in International Falls, majoring in art.
Robert also had a passion for singing and music, the New Orleans Saints, and Louisiana State University, and was a great lover of animals. Nothing made him more proud than being adopted into the Moose Clan.
He loved telling his life stories to everyone he meet, never passing over an opportunity to share. He will be fondly remembered by many as “Airborne,” a nickname well-earned and a story he loved to tell about how he always “flew” into the bush.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Ottertail-Geerken residence in Lac La Croix First Nation.
The pallbearers were Arthur Ottertail and Fabian Ottertail.
Robert Geerken will never be forgotten.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com