Robert ‘Bob’ J. Karhu passed away November 9, 2023 in the comfort of his home after a brave and relentless journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Bob was born in Cody, Wyoming to John and Betty Karhu. He was joined by his brother John. Bob spent his younger years creating many memories with his close and loving family in the mountains and on the lakes. As a teenager, he developed a great sense of humor and was known to play many practical jokes alongside his brother and close friend Mac. In high school, he excelled in wrestling and football and was All-State and All-Conference in football his senior year.
Bob always knew growing up he wanted to be an Architect and he pursued his education at Montana State University in a five-year program. At the end of his fourth year, he was drafted into the Army ands was deployed to Vietnam. He documented his tour in Vietnam through many letters to his parents and through a graphically illustrated and comical journal. Upon returning home, he completed his Bachelor of Architecture education at MSU. He later completed his Master of Architecture from MSU. In 1969, he began his career in Helena at Campeau and Crennen Architects and later established his own firm Karhu Architects. He was a member of AIA and NCARB and served on the Montana Building Codes Council. Bob was a lifetime member of the Cody Elks Lodge and Helena Rotary Club with 48 years of perfect attendance. He was most proud of Toppers Wine Cellar, Clancy School, and his own home.
In his early years in Helena, Bob lived in an apartment and developed a blossoming friendship with his next-door neighbor, JoAnn. Bob prepared an elegant dinner for JoAnn and uniquely proposed to her by freezing an engagement ring in an ice cube and silently laughed every time she took a drink as the ice cube bounced off her nose most of the evening. They had a simple and heartwarming wedding at Frontier Town, built their home together, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September. Bob was a devoted husband to JoAnn and father to their two children.
Bob was intelligent, full of humor and witty remarks, had beautiful handwriting, enjoyed cutting firewood, read news daily, and would ponder a problem until he could come up with a creative solution. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, boating, hunting, fishing, and was a dedicated runner until an injury. He had a kind heart for animals and rescued and trained a pigeon “Peety” as a kid and enjoyed his canine companions. His favorite adventures were at the cabin and spending time with many friends and family. Fishing with his close friend, Mike, was always fun, seeing who could catch the largest fish.
Bob is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Brianna (Samson); three grandchildren; brother John (Carolyn); brother-in-law John (Mary);and six nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his son, Torger; his parents; and a baby grandnephew.
Bob’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the VA Health Care Center, St. Peter’s Hospital, Great Falls Clinic, Legacy House, Dr. Goldes, close neighbors, friends, family, and many others who helped and supported them during his ALS journey.
A Private family remembrance will take place in the summer.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tom Erving says
JoAnn and Brianna, I am so sorry for the loss of Bob, he was such a great guy. I always enjoyed visiting with the both of you whenever our paths would cross. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Tom
Chandra Lillemoen says
My sincerest sympathy JoAnn & family! You are in my thoughts often and I will keep you in my prayers for comfort. Heaven has another precious angel. I will never forget Laureli & I making lefse with you. Bob was so gracious and funny and warm, and your home he built so beautiful and welcoming. Love & hugs and God’s peace be with you.
mac Lewis says
Yes, a big void with the lose of Bob. He was strong in the class of 61 and was at most of the reunions.
In, our younger years we had the best of times”
Jo Ann was a good match for Bob and may Bob keep on fishing.
Just, Old Mac P.S. no more bull elk. A most precious person.
Susan Bjerke says
Bob Karhu had a huge impact on my life. Funny, incredibly smart, kind and all-around good guy. I had the honor of working at Campeau, Crennen and Karhu in high school and though college. Bob’s desk was in the back of the drafting studio and I worked at one of the front desks. I learned so much listening to him….of course infused with his own special humor. He was a great teacher and mentor. Joann, Bob spoke of you with such love , my younger self was so impressed with how he spoke of you. I am so sorry for the loss of Bob.
Clare Kearns says
Oh, JoAnn, I am so sorry to read that your husband passed away. I didn’t know him, but knowing you, I am sure he was a gem. You are in my thoughts.
Clare Kearns says
JoAnn, I am so sorry to read that Bob passed away. I didn’t know him but, knowing you, I am sure he was a gem. You are in my thoughts.
Janet Hedges says
JoAnn and family, I’m sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. You both were always so friendly and entertaining when our paths crossed, usually at some community event. Your engagement story is hilarious and reflects your great sense of humor as well as his, which is why I always enjoyed your company. Take care of yourself during this difficult time and know I’m sending good thoughts and prayer your way. (Linda…..aka Janet).
John and Marcia Allen says
Joann and family, In todays paper (3/16/24) We were saddened to read that Bob had passed away! We had no idea he had been ill or that he had passed last November. Our deepest sympathy goes to you., and are sure you have many wonderful memories of your life together. If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are sorry we didn’t know about Bob’s passing last fall so we could have offered you our assistance. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Linda Nolan says
Our sincerest sympathy, Prayers and a mass will be offered for your family, I did not know Bob, but Carolyn & John have crossed our paths here in Cody.
We understand some of the struggles with ALS, our son Sean had ALS also and passed Nov. 5, just a few days before Bob. We add all those with ALS to our prayer list, for the years of struggle with it.
Jim and Linda Gillett says
Jim and I are so sad to hear of the passing of Bob . Lots of memories when working with the Boy Scouts . Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and Brianna and family
Tom and Charlotte Ellis says
We have been friends with Bob and JoAnn for almost 50 years. We will miss Bob and remember all the good times together. Las Vegas twice, Hawaii and several camping trips and visits to each other’s cabins. We enjoyed Bob’s company on several holiday dinners and other good times. Bob was always there when Tom needed an architect for a new bank building or new remodel on an existing one. He did great work and always represented us above expectations. His kids, Brianna and Torger meant the world to Bob and we enjoyed being around them growing in to such nice good people. There will never be another Bob and we will miss him dearly.
Dan Sullivan says
Bob was always entertaining at our weekly Rotary meetings. His amusing assessment of current events, the food, and the speakers always made me chuckle and I’d seek out a seat next to him as often as possible. I am very fortunate to have known him. He was a terrific Rotarian and fiend.
Cheryl Smith says
Joann,, I am so sorry to read about Bob’s passing. We never knew Bob well and it has been a long time since I have seen you. May the 50 wonderful years you had together be what gives you strength to move on. Keeping you and your family in my prayers,.
Ardith Ann Kershaw says
To JoAnn and the Karhu family. We were saddened to learn that Bob (Cody) had passed away of that terrible disease. I worked with him at Campeau & Crennen Architects back in the early 70’s and my husband & I were good friends with him. He was a funny guy and liked to play practical jokes. Lee & I have good memories of Bob and I know he will be dearly missed by all.
Ted Polette says
Dear JoAnn, Brianna, and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing as I was to hear about Torger ‘s also. Bob was always so supportive of his children and Clancy School. I’m sure my daughter, Jackie met Bob at the gates of Heaven and showed him around. Where there is sorrow, love plants a garden of memories. May Bob’s and Torger’s gardens forever blossom profusely. God bless you all.