Robert Edward Doberstein

Master Sergeant (Ret) Robert Edward Doberstein, age 85, of Cameron, NC, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Glendale, Wisconsin on September 7, 1932 to the late Fred Doberstein and Gladys Ellingson Doberstein.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna McKenzie; a granddaughter, Mandy Chavis; a brother, Frederick Doberstein and by a sister, Dorothy Doberstein Clarkson.  Bob proudly serviced his country for 22 years in the US Army - Special Forces Groups. Some of his duty stations included Vietnam, Lebanon, Germany, Okinawa and Fort Bragg.  After his retirement from the Army, he operated Doberstein Greenhouses and he also managed Kendale Bowling Lanes for over 30 years.  He was devoted to his community and served in the following areas:  President Johnsonville PTO; Advisory Board for Johnsonville and Benhaven Schools; Advisory Board for Central Carolina Community College Barber School; President of North Carolina Greenhouse Growers Association; President of North Carolina Farm Marketing Association; 4-H Leader; Johnsonville Ruritan Club President; started the Johnsonville Meals on Wheels program; Trinity Lutheran Church  President of Church Council; Harnett County Forward Together Committee; Sustainable Sandhills Organization; he served on both the Planning  and Tax Evaluation Boards for Harnett County; he was a Spout Springs Fire Fighter; President Board of Directors of Spout Springs Fire Department; Johnsonville Precinct Chairman of the Democratic Party; Founder of the Buddy Backpack program for Harnett County in 2008; Harnett County Community Foundation; National Association for Retired Federal Employees; Member of Official Umpires Association and umpired ball games at Moore County prisons.  Bob received the Cape Fear District Ruritan of the Year award in 2009 and also was recipient of the Governors’ Award in 2010.  Spout Springs dedicated their emergency services building in Bob’s honor in 2013. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his sons, William Richard Taylor and his wife, Cindy of Hickory, Frank Kevin Taylor and his partner, Gail of Cameron, Bobby Doberstein and wife, Lisa of Cameron; daughters, Mary Lynn Smith and partner, Barry of Lillington, Anita Jewel and husband, Michael of Trezevant. TN., Karen Taylor and partner, George of Vass, Denise Ramsey and husband, Patrick of Cameron; son-in-law, Don McKenzie of Cameron; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Melvin Doberstein and wife, Marlene and by two sisters, Phyllis Born and husband, Eugene and Shirley Anderson and husband, Marlin.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 4:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Ann Kelly officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Trinity Lutheran Church or Liberty Hospice of Sanford.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Edward Doberstein, please visit our floral store.