Funeral services for Robert S. Cox, 69, of Rochester, Minnesota will be at 11:00 am on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Zumbro Lutheran Church.Visitation will be from 3:00 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church.Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minnesota.
Robert Bob Stephen Cox was born on April 10, 1945 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Jacob and Elsie (French) Cox.He died on March 11, 2015 at St. Marys Hospital with his wife at his side.
Robert graduated from Redwood Falls High School and attended Rochester Community and Technical College.He served in the United States Air Force from 1965 1969 where he served as an intelligence communication specialist in Europe.Bob married Ellen Hansen of Austin, MN on October 20, 1967, and they resided in Owatonna MN, before moving to Rochester.
Bob spent 43 years in the Real Estate business as a broker and Realtor. Bob was one of Minnesotas most prolific real estate agents, and was recognized in 2009 as a REALTOR EMERITUS by the National Association of Realtors.
Bob was a sports fan who loved the Vikings, and the Twins. He was avid golfer, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bird watching. Bob served many years as a youth sports coach in Rochester.More than anything, Bob loved walking the beach with Ellen, his beloved wife of 47 years.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen of Rochester; two sons, Joel (Lisa) Cox of Leawood, Kansas and Christian (Anna) Cox of Ruston, Louisiana; one daughter, Amy (Sean) O'Hara of Scottsdale, Arizona, seven grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a son, David in 2013.
Memorials are suggested to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the charity of ones choice.
Tributes
Mary Jane Laughlin McConnell wrote on Mar 22, 2015:
"Dear Family of Bob's; Graduated from High School with Bob and know that he was such a dear man. Remember him also from our last class reunion.
My heart truly goes out to his dear wife and family. This is such a sad time-
know from losing members of my dear family in the past.
Lovingly
Mary Jane Laughlin McConnell"
John Woodford wrote on Mar 19, 2015:
"Dear Ellen and family,
I was sorry to read in the Redwood Gazette the untimely death of Bob. He came to our 50th class reunion in September of 2013 at the Redwood Golf Club. It was good to talk with him there. I have forwarded the obituary information to fellow classmates of Redwood Falls High School class of 1963. You have my deepest sympathy.
John Woodford
Redwood Falls, MN"
Barbara Jessop Hanson wrote on Mar 19, 2015:
"Dear Ellen and Family: I just received an email about Bob`s passing from John Woodford, our high school classmate. Bob was just the best high school friend, and always attend our Redwood Falls High School Class Reunions. I am just so sad for you and your family for Bob`s passing. Prayers and Blessings to you all and I know your memories will bring you comfort and peace. Barbara Jessop class of 1963"
Louie & Marian Bortolon wrote on Mar 17, 2015:
"Warm greetings & our sincere sympathies are sent up to you Ellen & your family from where we winter in Central Florida. Your thoughts are with us as you go through these trying times & hope that time will heal the sorrow you now share in Bob's passing. We can vividly remember those soccer days with Bob pacing up & down the sidelines as our boys were sweating it out on those playing fields... Ellen, we have also shared with our Ryan the news of your loss.
We believe Bob's goal wasn't "To live for ever" but was to "Create something that will" & he sure did in our community !!!
With kindest personal regards,
Louie & Marian B."
Rev. Carol Solovitz wrote on Mar 16, 2015:
"Dear Ellen, Joel, Anna, and Amy,
I am praying for you and your families as you grieve the enormous loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful human being - very proud of all of you. I regret that I cannot give you hugs from so far away, but please know that God's loving arms are surrounding you. Blessings and grace to all ~ Pastor Carol"
Connie Gilk wrote on Mar 15, 2015:
"Ellian and family so sorry to her about Bob he was a dear friend for many years lots of good memories prayers are with you and the children love you
Connie Gilk"
Niki Damerel wrote on Mar 15, 2015:
"Joel, wishing you the deepest sense of peace today and the days to come. May the family memories grant you peace in the worst of moments.
Love, light, and peace to you and the whole family,
Niki
"
Deb and Dewey Nesler wrote on Mar 13, 2015:
"Our deepest sympathy for Bob's family. What a great guy who will be missed by many."
Judy Gould wrote on Mar 12, 2015:
"Dear Ellen and Family,
My condolences go out to you. I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Take care.
Love,
Judy"
Brad and Sara Kluck wrote on Mar 12, 2015:
"Ellen:
We have you and your family in our prayers. We have such fond memories of Bob. He will truly be missed. Sending you a great big hug."