Robert G. Niebert
Apr 4, 1941 -
Jun 21, 2026
Robert "Bob" Niebert passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, following a short illness and surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Illinois, Bob graduated from NDSU School of Pharmacy in 1966, where he met his first wife, Janice Bryant, a special education teacher. In 1967, Bob opened Niebert Pharmacy in Homewood, Ill., and in 1970, he and Jan welcomed their son, David. In 1972, the family moved to Anchorage, where they settled on Government Hill, and in 1977, their daughter Dana was born.
Bob worked as a community pharmacist at Ulmer's Rexall Drugs in downtown Anchorage before becoming a pharmaceutical rep for Wyeth Labs. Bob was a respected, knowledgeable pharmacist who was always available to answer questions about medications and safe prescribing practices. He assisted in revising the Alaska regulations governing pharmacy practice, which remain in effect today. In 1998, he and his second wife, Karen, assumed ownership of Hewitt's Drug Store, where they expanded the practice to two locations and added therapeutic and rehabilitative services for patients with specialized needs.
In the late 1980s, Bob served on the Alaska Pharmacy Association Board of Directors, of which he became President in 1995. In 1999, he received the Excellence in Innovation award, an honor recognizing high-quality patient care and the implementation of transformational health programs that improve patient outcomes.
While living in Illinois, Bob was approached by Melvin Jones, the Founder of Lions Club International, who sponsored his membership in the local Lions Club. After moving to Alaska, he joined the Government Hill Lions Club. He later served as 49A District Governor in 1981 and 1982, and as Council Chair in 1982 and 1983. In 1984, he, along with other fellow Lions, chartered the Benton Bay Athletic Lions Club and organized the UAA Blueliners Club. Bob was a life member of Lions Club International and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding dedication to humanitarian service.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen of Anchorage; son, David (Wendee) of Honolulu; daughter, Dana Jara (Nick) of Anchorage; and granddaughter, Janilyn of Honolulu. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Henrietta Niebert. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, at 15th and Cordova in Anchorage. A small reception will be held after the service, where friends and family are welcome to share memories, stories and fellowship in his honor.
