Robert Dale Yarger, 52 of Wheatfield, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He was born August 17, 1973, in Warsaw, IN, to Lezlie (Dick) Sherman. Rob graduated from Portage High School in 1992, and received a certificate in welding from Ivy Tech. He made his career with Pratt Retail for 24 years, where he held various positions, most recently as a mechanical engineer. Rob was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 301 in Kouts, and a member of the American Legion Riders, where he earned the nickname “Pookie Bear.” He loved riding motorcycles, tinkering on cars, and working with his hands. Rob also enjoyed fishing, hunting, smoking meat and making jerky. His friends and family appreciated that Rob was a good listener and someone who wanted to help others fix things. Though he had a stubborn personality at times, Rob’s big heart outshined it. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
On August 17, 1996, Rob married the love of his life, Tammie Patterson, who survives, along with their children: Brianna (Zachery Lindsey) Yarger of LaPorte and Chase Yarger of Wheatfield; grandchildren: Nicholas and Paxton Lindsey, and Cyrus Yarger; stepfathers: Thomas (Cathy) Moody and Thomas Sherman; and step-sisters: Amy (Matt) McFarland and Tina Nickerson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lezlie Sherman; step-brothers: Jody and Shane Nickerson; and his grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Kouts, IN. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Post 301, 959 W. Indiana St., Kouts, IN.
GUESTBOOK
A Man Who Loved His Tammie, His Mom Lezlie, His Kids, Grand Kids and All His Friends. I Cherished the Memories that Lezlie shared with Me from the time Rob was a Toddler until Rob met His True Love Tammie. Rob was a Patriot, A Chevy and Harley Man Who Loved Camping. A Man Who Knew How Much I Loved and Cherished His Mom Lezlie. I Cherish the Last Time Rob and I Had Breakfast Together about a Month Ago at Suzie's Cafe in Valpo. It is Difficult to Accept the Passing of a Man So Full of Life. Someone Who Will Truly be Missed by All Who Knew and Loved Rob. I Remember When Lezlie told Rob to Be Careful Who You Offend in Kouts Because it's Probably Tom's Family. Rob said Who isn't Tom's Family. Like When I First Met My Lezlie, I Told Her That She was Surrounded by My Family in Kouts. I Hope and Pray that I Will Meet Up with the Love of My Life Lezlie and Her Son Rob. Rob Will Always Be My Buddy As I Am Sure of the Same With His Friends and Family. Until We Meet Again, Farewell to a True Friend. Love, -Tom Sherman
Loving memory, -aunt Brella Patterson
