Robert Joseph Velner

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life richly lived, the family of Robert Joseph Velner announces his peaceful passing on July 4, 2026, at the age of 88.

Robert was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from De La Salle High School before earning an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. A lifelong learner, he was curious and thoughtful, always eager to understand how things worked. He loved to ask why, to problem-solve life's important issues, and to explore topics ranging from technology and innovation to space. In 1962 he was called to active military duty, answering his country's call with honor and patriotism.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Winnifred "Winnie" Velner. Together they shared an extraordinary 66 years of marriage, embracing life's adventures hand in hand while building a home rooted in faith, love, service, and family. Their enduring devotion to one another was a beautiful example of lifelong love and an inspiration to all who knew them.

Robert began his law enforcement career with the Edina Police Department, serving for four years, then joined the Bloomington Police Department, where he served his community for another 28 years. He concluded his career as a pioneering detective with the Bloomington Police Department, respected for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting children.

His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived it daily with humility and conviction. At Mass, he was known to kneel directly on the cold stone floor rather than use the kneeler, a quiet but powerful reflection of his reverence and love for God.

He embraced life with enthusiasm, courage, and purpose. He square danced with the Skyline Squares for more than a decade and spent another ten years riding with the Minnesota Gold Wings Motorcycle Club, combining his love of friendship with his passion for motorcycles.

He also found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed time on the pontoon at the family lake, playing games, keeping up with the latest technology, solving the worlds' problems, and sharing stories with family and friends. Physical fitness was a lifelong priority, and he rarely missed a day of exercise.

Retirement marked the beginning of another season of service and adventure. He and Winnie fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling full time in their RV before making their home at Traditions in Surprise, Arizona, where they built lasting friendships and became deeply involved in their community.

Robert also volunteered generously: as a restaurant volunteer manager at Hart Ranch in South Dakota, and at Happy Trails RV Park in Surprise, Arizona. He also gave his time to the local

food bank, Banner Boswell Medical Center, and his neighborhood community. Whether serving a meal, helping those in need, or welcoming others with kindness, he found great joy in giving back.

He never stopped asking "why", never stopped learning, and never stopped loving those entrusted to his care. May his legacy of faith, service, and love continue to inspire all who knew him.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Edward and Blanche Velner; his brothers, Richard Velner and Thomas Velner; and his infant children, John, Robin, and Elizabeth Velner.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Winnifred "Winnie" Velner, his children; Joe Velner of Lakeville, MN, Mark Velner (Pam (Oelke Velner) of Cape Coral, FL, and Lisa Velner Hall (Matthew Hall) of Austin,TX; his grandchildren; Alex Velner, Dylan Velner, and Ayden Klock; his godchildren, Dolly Ortloff and David Ortloff; his family, Pat and Gary Anderson; Mike and Maria Ortloff; several nieces and nephews, friends, fellow parishioners, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Surprise, Arizona, on July 27, 2026 with rosary at 10:00am and mass at 10:30am. Committal services with military honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:00am.

The family prefers that memorials be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Surprise, Arizona.