Robert Dee “Bob” Berthelson, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, husband, friend, and longtime member of the Lincoln, Kansas community, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026.
Bob was born on Friday, November 4, 1949, in Salina, Kansas, the third of five children born to Fenton and Ruthetta Berthelson. He grew up in Lincoln, Kansas, attending elementary school and high school there and graduating with the Class of 1968. He went on to attend college and began a life filled with adventure, hard work, family, and an appreciation for the simple things in life.
In 1973, Bob married and began a career that took him and his family to several places throughout the Midwest and beyond. He owned and operated toy stores in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later worked for Happy Hales Toys and Gifts in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1977, Bob returned to Lincoln, where he worked at the high school before eventually purchasing the Post Rock Motel and Restaurant. In 1979, Bob was blessed with his son, Nick, who became one of the great joys of his life.
Bob’s adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial nature continued to take him to new places. During the 1980s, he lived in Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked at Happy Chef and later owned the Château in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as well as Cowpokes in Elkhorn, Nebraska. He eventually made his way to Storm Lake, Iowa, where he owned Paulson’s Restaurant, and later spent time in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A vacation to Reeds Spring, Missouri, in 1987 drew Bob back to the area where he opened The Hungry Hunter. It became a local favorite known for hearty meals; breakfast served all day, daily specials, and homemade pies.
Around the mid-1990’s, he returned to Kansas, where he opened The Hungry Hunter restaurant in Lincoln and later owned Russell’s Restaurant in Salina. Bob became a familiar and memorable character in the community, even earning the affectionate nickname “Grumpy Old Bob” during his time on the radio.
In 1997, Bob gained two daughters through his second marriage, Ariane and Jamie.
Bob was the happiest outdoors and loved everything that nature had to offer. He spent countless hours on the family farm, tending to livestock, planting and growing produce, and enjoying the land he loved. His passions were many: horses, dogs, pheasant hunting, skeet shooting, water skiing, snowmobiling, scuba diving, gardening, and raising pheasants and quail. He had a special love for his dogs and horses, and his appreciation for animals was evident in the way he cared for them. Bob had a way of making life memorable.
In 2024, Bob moved back to Branson, Missouri to be closer to his son Nick and although retirement came next, it didn’t last long. A true restaurateur at heart, the opportunity to open Crossing Café brought him back to what he loves most; serving good food to good people.
Those who knew Bob will remember his independent spirit, his colorful personality, his love of the outdoors, and his ability to tell it like it was. He was a man who lived life on his own terms, worked hard, loved his family, and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Bob is survived by his son, Nick (Madeline); daughters, Ariane (Brian) and Jamie (Neil); five grandchildren; sister, Trudy; brother, Mike (Joan); and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fenton and Ruthetta Berthelson, and his brothers, Danny and Randy.
“It’s been a slice of heaven.” -Bobby B
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Pheasants Forever Lincoln, Kansas Chapter.
Donations may be sent to:
Tommie Berger
406 S. New York Ave.
Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
Two services will be held in honor of Robert D. Berthelson.
Saturday, September 19th
VFW – Lincoln, Kansas
3:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4th
Grace Family Church – Branson, Missouri
1:00 PM