Robert (Bob) Aschim, 77, a former farmer and rancher from Sunburst, died March 2, 2007, at the Marias Medical Center in Shelby. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, at the Sunburst Lutheran Church with visitation one hour before service time. Interment was in the Sunburst Cemetery and a reception followed at the Sunburst Lutheran Parish Hall. Whitted Funeral Chapel of Shelby is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.

Bob is survived by his wife Bonnie of the family home; son Phil (Mary Jo) Aschim of Sunburst; daughter Diana (Dick) Barsness of Sunburst; grandchildren Chris (Alyson) Barsness of Cut Bank, Kevin (Marisa) Barsness of Eugene, Ore., Kyle (Brianna) Barsness of Butte, Callie Aschim and Nate Aschim, both of Missoula; great-grandchildren Breanne and Colten Barsness of Cut Bank; sister Dottie (Bill) Moss of Sunburst and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Kate Aschim, an infant daughter and a granddaughter, Katie Aschim.

Bob was born Jan. 7, 1930, in Parshall, N.D. At the age of four, Bob moved with his parents to Sunburst, where his parents worked for "Doc" and Mary Clark at the Bow and Arrow Ranch, which they later purchased. Bob grew up on the ranch, attended country schools and Sunburst High School. He graduated at the age of 16 as valedictorian of his class. He attended Concordia College and MSU before returning to the family farm.

In 1950, he married Bonnie Whitt in Sunburst. Together they farmed, ranched, and raised their family.
Bob was an unfailing supporter of Toole County, whether it was sporting events, musical concerts, or community projects, and he served as a valued member of countless boards through the years. Most recently, Bob was a member of the Sunburst Fire Department board, North Toole County Education Foundation, and both the Marias Medical Center and Marias Healthcare Center boards.

Bob enjoyed watching any activity his children and grandchildren were involved in and keeping abreast of any new developments in the field of farming.

He was a member of the Sunburst Lutheran Church.