03/01/2026
We’d like to honor the life of our beloved friend and fellow Pastor and Shepherd of Sidney by sharing his Celebration of Life information. ✝️ 📖
Robert Charles “Bob” Milliken of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2026. He was surrounded by loved ones.
Bob was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on March 30, 1952 to Harold and Greta (Dietz) Milliken. He was the eldest of five siblings. An active debater and wordsmith, he flourished as a member of the Norfolk High School Speech and Debate Team. Bob received degrees in Ministry and Theology from Nebraska Christian College, and his Masters and Doctorate degrees in English Literature at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Bob taught English Literature and writing at UN-L for 19 years (1987-2006), where he won many teaching awards. Later, he taught Theology and English at Nebraska Christian College and Hope International University (2006-2020). Bob and his wife, Carol, were married June 9, 2018. They worked with international students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, helping them feel at home in the United States, building friendships, and bringing them to know Jesus. He taught and preached at Bible Seminaries and churches around the world, including England, Romania, Mexico, Jamaica, Kenya, and India. For 50 years Bob pastored churches in Nebraska and Iowa, including five years as campus pastor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978-1983). He blessed many as the lead pastor at First Christian Church in Plattsmouth, Nebraska and at the Church of Christ in Sidney, Iowa. He led many to join him as he sought Jesus in the wilderness, climbing as many 14ers as he could. He climbed over five hundred peaks on five continents, including the Matterhorn, Aconcagua, and Kilimanjaro.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol (Worcester) Milliken, three children from his first marriage, Leif (Elizabeth) Milliken, Lincoln, Jordan (James Goddard) Milliken, Montréal, Québec, and Bronwyn (Patrick Ragan) Milliken, Chicago IL; eight grandchildren, Lu, Thomas, and Charlie Milliken, Bird, Atlas, and Pepper Goddard, and Greta and Fiona Ragan; four siblings, Paul (Holly) Milliken, Carthage, MO, Richard (Karolyn) Milliken, Bennington, NE, Marilee (Michael) Hagins, Turlock, CA, and James (June) Milliken, Seoul, South Korea; and three step-children. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Milliken, and mother, Greta Milliken.
A celebration of life will be held at Capital City Christian Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
In honor of Bob's trademark "formal" style, we encourage attendees to wear tennis shoes with their suits and dresses.