Robert "Dink" W. Demke

Robert “Dink” William Demke, 56, of Emerson, NE, died on Friday, August 04, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home near Emerson.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at St. Luke Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. in Emerson, NE.  The visitation will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert was born on July 6, 1967, in Pender, NE, the son of Walter and Eileen (Hightree) Demke.  Robert grew up in Hubbard, NE, with his parents and two sisters.  He attended Emerson – Hubbard Schools.  While he attended school, he loved playing football and even scored a touchdown once.  He enjoyed all the Hubbard guys while playing baseball.  On April 15, 1989, he was united in marriage to Sharon Saltzman at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson.  Together they had their son, Nicholas, who is now married to their wonderful daughter-in-law, Nikole Stewart.  Robert worked in several places over the years including Lorenson Lumberyard, CVA, and for the past several years with Michael Foods, serving as Byproducts lead person.  He enjoyed all of his co-workers and loved to joke and give them a hard time.  In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  Many times spent with them in his “Husker Room” watching all Husker sports, but especially football.  Recently Robert and Sharon have been excited about the prospect of welcoming their first grandchild, which is due in December. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Sharon Demke of Emerson, NE; son, Nick (Nikole) Demke of Elk Point, SD; mother, Eileen Demke of Emerson, NE; sister, Cindy (Paul) Chester of Belen, NM; his “brother from another mother”, Steve Jorgensen; bonus grandson, Wayde Deurksen; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter; a sister, Judith Marykae Demke; father and mother-in-law, John and Virginia (Huggenberger) Saltzman.