"Lorie & family: Les and I attended the service via live streaming and SO enjoyed the service and ALL the sharing about Bob's life. Do you remember sitting down for dinner in 2006 and I was telling Bob about selling fudge at the Thursdays on First and he named the business - The Fudge Shoppe!!! I loved that experience in 2006-2008 and I often recalled Bob's contribution! You two were a special couple and Bob was a man who used his God-given talents to also bring people to Christ. Our prayers and love are with you. Les and Roz"
In loving memory of
Robert Dahlstrom
January 4, 1935 - January 28, 2021
Robert Eldon Dahlstrom of Rochester, MN, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 28, 2021 after an eleven-year battle with Parkinson's disease.
He was born to Rev. Elmer B. and Violet Dahlstrom in Grantsburg, WI, on January 4, 1935, eighteen minutes ahead of his identical twin brother Donald. His father was a Covenant pastor who served churches in WI, MN, IA and CO during Bob's growing up years.
He graduated from Greeley High School in Greeley, CO in 1952. He attended North Park University in Chicago, IL and served in the Army in Germany from 1955-1957.
On February 18, 1961 he married the love of his life, Lorelie Ann Lutz. He worked for J.C. Penney in Minneapolis before joining the Dayton Corporation where he worked for eighteen years before opening his own store - Hers Women's Apparel in Rochester, MN in 1980. In 1981, he opened a second store, My Size Women's Clothing and over the next several years continued to expand, opening a total of seven stores.
Bob was a member of Autumn Ridge Church (formerly First Baptist Church) for 40 years serving in many areas. He was involved in Community Bible Study, Bible Study Fellowship, the Salvation Army, Rotary Club and also served on many boards in Rochester, including Methodist Hospital and Norwest Bank/Wells Fargo. Bob loved playing golf, visiting with his grandkids, serving in various positions at his church and spending the winter months in Green Valley, AZ during his retirement. But most of all he loved telling others about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and being a mentor to many.
Preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Carol Ann. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lorie; 3 children: son Bruce (Brenda) Dahlstrom of Rochester, daughter Kerri (Jim) Larson of Maple Grove, MN, and daughter Kris (Craig) Koy of Highlands Ranch, CO; brother Donald B. (Jackie) Dahlstrom, sister Kathryn (Doug) Sauter, and seven grandchildren: Kyle and Kory Dahlstrom; Lindsey, Brienne and Ryan Larson; Piper and Halle Koy.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11am at Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN. There will be a walk-through visitation from 10:15am to 11am prior to the service. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. Service will also be live streamed for those unable to attend. Visit www.AutumnRidgeChurch.org/livestreams to watch the funeral live. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Autumn Ridge Church Missions Fund or the Salvation Army. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"I am so grateful I got to see the livestream of Bob's memorial service. It was a wonderful tribute to the legacy and memory of the godly, loving man that Bob was. I only wish I could have been able to be around him more than I was but am very thankful for the memories I do have of him. Blessings to all of his wonderful family. Dan Dahlstrom"
"Lorie & family-What a pleasure and blessing to have shared my life with Bob. On many levels, it was always a highlight to associate with this servant of God. Bob was always interested in others, and anxious to visit with his Lutheran friend and to share his great love of his Lord and Savior. I will find it difficult to fill the time and relationship with this wonderful servant and friend, but rest in the certainty of his faith that he graciously shared with others. Thank you for the fine examples of love & joy. See you, Bob, at the Pearly Gates, where we can praise the Lord forever."
"Dear Lorie and family- I'm so sorry for your loss but rejoicing for Bob's gain. Thank you for years of inspiration and fellowship. Nan (Johnson Strauss)"
"Bob was a true gentleman and kind hearted human being, his positive attitude and infectious smile will be missed. My thoughts and prays are with the entire family. God Bless you all. Joe Powers"
"Lori and family, I am sad to read of Bob's passing. I know he is in a better place with his Lord. No more suffering with his illness. He was a trooper, and Lori, you are an inspiration. You took such loving care of Bob. It was my pleasure to have met you both through Visiting Angels. God bless you!"
"Dear Bruce, Brenda and family: So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences. God bless.... Donna Drews"
"Bruce---so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Sam Grosso"
"We are so sorry for your loss, Lorie. Karl and I really enjoyed getting to know Bob & being in a Small Group with you both. Much love in Christ to you and your family. Lela Lofgren"
"Bob was my mentor for the 11 years. I worked for him from 1980 thru 1991. Bob taught me the importance of customer services, doing the right thing,and many management skills - I have used my whole life. We had great fun at the clothing markets, when we went to buy clothes for the stores. I remember many time he would look at me at a vender and say ?Dawn ,you really think you can sell that ?? Yes, I worked my hardest to sell every dress we ordered. He was always support of my successes , and was with me through the failures . Most important in our relationship was , Bob helping me daily to walk with Jesus. My faith in our Lord and Savior grew for the years I worked with Bob. Peace, my friend Love Dawn "
"Bob was my mentor for the 11 years. I worked for him from 1980 thru 1991. Bob taught me the importance of customer services, doing the right thing,and many management skills - I have used my whole life. We had great fun at the clothing markets, when we went to buy clothes for the stores. I remember many time he would look at me at a vender and say ?Dawn ,you really think you can sell that ?? Yes, I worked my hardest to sell every dress we ordered. He was always support of my successes , and was with me through the failures . Most important in our relationship was , Bob helping me daily to walk with Jesus. My faith in our Lord and Savior grew for the years I worked with Bob. Peace, my friend Love Dawn "
"Bob's greatest desire in life was being the best husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, he could be and continually asked God for guidance. He loved golf and the apparel business, but even more than that, he loved bringing souls to his Lord. Bob and his family have an aura created by the Holy Spirit. It's a true pleasure knowing them."