Dr. Robert "Bob" A. Lysgaard

Dr. Robert "Bob" Lysgaard, DDS, a loving husband, father, grandfather and longtime Las Vegas resident joined our father in heaven on February 6, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In life, Bob was selfless and driven to serve and help others. He was born April 30, 1929, in North Dakota to Olaf and Alice Eidahl Lysgaard, Through the example of his parents, who were Norwegian Immigrants intent on pursuing the American dream, Bob learned to work hard early on helping his family overcome the hardships of the Great Depression and carve out a good life farming the fertile Dakota plains. Bob was a good student and took part in many sports. He often talked about the fun and pain of playing High School tackle football on the frozen Dakota tundra.   

As a young man, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a pioneer of the jet age. During the Korean War Bob flew the vaunted F86 in air-to-air combat against Soviet Mig fighters. Bob was a trusted wingman and loyal friend protecting many of the 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron’s top combat pilots with whom he stayed close to throughout his life. Among them are war aces, generals, astronauts, senators and more.

Prior to shipping out for Korea, Bob met his future bride, Merla Brockway. The two met on a blind date while Bob was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Merla was taken by Bob's handsome face, fun personality and confident swagger and he by her smile and outgoing friendly personality that lights up rooms. When Bob returned home following the war the two were married February 20,1954 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When his Air Force service was complete, Bob attended the University of Minnesota where he studied Dentistry and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). Bob returned to Las Vegas to practice and chose a location for an office in the shadow of the Las Vegas Strip. During "Dr. Bob's” 40+ years of practicing dentistry, his patients included a literal who's who of Las Vegas' pioneering residents, business leaders, performers, elected officials and more. 

Upon retirement, Bob and his wife remained in Las Vegas, but escaped the summer heat in Crescent City, California where he enjoyed the beach, salmon fishing, giant redwood trees and amazing sunsets.

In his spare time, Bob was an avid golfer, aviation enthusiast, jewelry maker, chocolate lover and angler. He adored his wife, children and grandchildren and spoke proudly of all of them. Bob will be remembered as a kind and caring man who always gave willingly of himself to his family as well as his vast circle of friends.  

Bob is survived by his wife Merla Lysgaard, daughter Kari Gallagher, her husband Patrick and their children Kala, Karleen, Brock, Laura, Drake, Neal and Grady; son Kent Lysgaard, his wife Jill and their children Jake and Alyse; daughter Kristin Lysgaard Corbett, her husband Sean and their children Kailin, Carson and Kate; sister Dee Lysgaard Simpson; brother Donald Lysgaard and his thirteen great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to “Keep Memory Alive" Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center.

A funeral service for Bob will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 10:40 AM to 11:20 AM at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Lysgaard family.