Bob was born on December 12, 1934 in Granite Falls, MN. He graduated from Echo High School in Echo, MN and then went on to serve in the US Navy. He married the love of his life, Marlys Uphoff, in 1957 and spent 64 wonderful years together. After serving in the Navy, Bob went on to a long and successful sales career with General Electric. He worked for GE for 33 years and retired in 1992. Robert absolutely loved the outdoors! He was happiest in the woods or on the lake. Whether it be goose hunting or fishing in Canada or deer hunting in Minnesota or Wisconsin, he loved spending time with his brothers and friends. Bob could be described as a jolly soul! He had a smile that was a mile wide and he was always ready to give big bear hugs. Bob was a voracious reader and was a huge fan of western novels and movies. Another passion Bob had was golfing. In retirement, he worked part time as a ranger at Hidden Haven Golf Course in East Bethel and soon became known as Big Bob. Above all else, Robert loved spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Adella; two sisters, Corella and Dorothy; five brothers, Jim, Arfield, Milton, Gordon and David.
He is survived by his beautiful wife, Marlys (Uphoff); daughter Diana (Sean); son Dale (Deann); grandchildren Jessica (Billy), Alexi (Jonathan), Blake (Yolanda), Jayce (Macey), Kolton and Kierstyn; great grandchildren Samantha, Nile, Jada, Chloe, Alisha, Ashlyn, Roen, Sophia and Raimi; great great grandchildren Zzmina and Zelena; brothers Richard (Ruth) Oie, Olaf (Nona) Oie and sister, Beverly (Sheldon) Sandberg.
