Robin “Rob/Robbie” Wray Newkirk, age 58 of Delhi formerly of Bloomington passed away peacefully Sunday, February 13, 2022 at home following a recent diagnosis of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.  Graveside Services and a Celebration of Life to be held in Renville this spring (date to follow).  

Robin “Rob/Robbie” Wray Newkirk was born November 14, 1963 to Thomas and Judith (Brantner) Newkirk in York, Nebraska.  Following High School Rob joined the U.S. Army and was a proud U.S. Veteran.  Robbie spent many years in the casino industry working at Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs, and most recently Prairies Edge Casino.  He also provided and enjoyed side work in carpentry.  Robbie enjoyed fishing, tinkering, cooking, playing cribbage and spending time with family and friends.  Most of all he loved animals with all his heart, self-proclaiming himself as the dog whisperer.  He was a deeply devoted and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.  He was a true child of God with a strong and growing relationship that brought him profound peace and strength.

Rob is survived by his beloved dog Bella; step-mother Marlys Newkirk; siblings: Tonnette (Tony) Sponsler, Jason Newkirk, Tyra (Mark) Thompson and Tony Brantner; nieces and nephews: Samantha, Kelsey & Elliot Sponsler and Zachary, Ethan & Emme Thompson; great niece Kaari Sponsler; and numerous amazing loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Thomas Newkirk, mother Judith Brantner, step-father Norbert Brantner, paternal grandparents Wray & Violet Newkirk, maternal grandparents Norman & Myrtle Ockwig, uncles & aunt Gerald & Sharon Ockwig and Norman “Roger” Ockwig, and by his dogs Gypsy Rose and Bubba.

The family would like to thank Carris Redwood Hospice staff.

You never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” Author Unknown.