Robert Zeeck

Robert “Bob” McCann Zeeck, early Billings area radio and television broadcaster and “Voice of the Billings Mustangs,” died Thursday, May 6, at St. Johns Lutheran Home at age 85.Bob was born in Greenfield, Ohio on October 17, 1924 to Elmer and Luella Moorehead Zeeck. He grew up in Greenfield and, after graduating high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was trained as a medic and was sent to Europe in 1944 “just in time for the Battle of the Bulge,” he told one of his grandchildren. “I kind of wish they had started without me,” he said. He was awarded a bronze star for his actions in that battle and continued to serve until he was discharged after returning from Europe in 1946.Bob then attended the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Chicago, completed his training there, and landed his first broadcasting job at KBMY radio station in Billings in 1947. Using his first and middle names as his moniker, Bob McCanns broadcasting duties included the news, sports and weather, as well as other regular programming. One of KBMY radios regular sports programs included play-by-play broadcasts of Billings Mustangs baseball and Bob was promoted by KBMY as the “Voice of the Billings Mustangs.”While at KBMY a friend introduced him to Annaleen Hemmer, a dietitian at Deaconess Hospital. They were married on November 11, 1948. They had four sons and two daughters: Phillip Zeeck (Mary Kay), John Zeeck (Kathleen), David Zeeck, Paul Zeeck (Sue), Mary Kennedy (Bill), and Patricia Mandonado (David).When television came to the Billings area, Bob joined KGHL as their news anchor. He moved his family to Yuba City, CA for three years where he worked in radio. They returned to Billings in 1965 and Bob finished his career in broadcasting as news anchor for KULR television.Bob took his broadcasting and news experience into the public affairs arena. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, DC, and, later for the Bureau of Reclamation in Billings. His position was transferred to the Western Area Power Administration, which required him and Ann to relocate to Denver, CO, where he worked until his retirement. After he retired, Bob and Ann moved back to Billings. Bob was active in St Thomas Parish where he served as lector and, briefly, as lay deacon.Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann, their children, eighteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and his cousin, Jane Newell of Columbus, OH.Bobs family sends a special thank you to the staff of Chapel Court at St. Johns Lutheran Home.