Robert Wayne Tjossem

November 25, 1936 – March 31, 2023

The world lost a champion on March 31, 2023 as Robert “Bob” Wayne Tjossem passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Ever stoic and ever direct, upon hearing the news of his Leukemia in January, Bob said, “of all the things in life that would take me out, I never thought it would be this one.” But Bob lived the short last chapter of his life like the rest of it: in control, burden-free and with dignity.

His passing prompted many plaudits from those that he touched throughout his 86 years. Many mentioned his “upstanding” character, a “leader” who lived a “principled” and “honorable” life. Others commented on his “warm and personable” nature and that he had a “remarkable gift of walking into the room and making everyone feel comfortable.” And others noted that he was their “inspiration” and that he “defined the meaning of family.” All acknowledged his “kindness and generosity.”

Indeed, the arc of Bob’s life showed what a truly remarkable human being he was. Born in his apartment in inner city Detroit, Michigan on November 25, 1936, Bob was raised by Marjorie, a single mother, along with his two older sisters, Bette and Dorothy. To steer him away from the troubles and temptations of being an urban teen, Marjorie thought it best to send Bob to as opposite world as she could: her sister’s farm in rural Worthington, Minnesota. Bob was a welcome hand on Aunt Grace and Uncle Orville Keifer’s farm where he learned the value of hard work and true grit.

It was there at Worthington High School where he met his life-long love, Gretchen Schade. Little did Gretchen know that sitting next to and helping Bob in algebra class would lead to decades of a symbiotic partnership filled with love, joy, adventure and children – often times all one and the same.

After finishing high school, Bob wanted more than the farm and worked his way through Worthington Community College - not far from Gretchen – and subsequently earned a degree at the University of Minnesota. During his two year stint in the Army at Waco, Texas, Bob and Gretchen were united in marriage on August 20, 1959. Post Army service, they came back home as Bob entered the Dental School at the University of Minnesota, becoming a lifelong Gopher and universal Minnesota sports enthusiast through and through.

Understanding the need to work hard to reach one’s aspirations, Bob took on whatever odd jobs were necessary to earn an income to afford higher education and support a growing family. Some included serving food and washing dishes at a Sorority house in order to eat, working the line shift at Schmidt Brewery and, of course, his employment at the crematorium at the U of M.

Having now earned his degree and venturing out as a young professional, Bob and Gretchen with toddlers Ann and Scott in tow wanted to settle in a Minnesota community similar in size to Worthington and set their sights on Crookston. They moved there in 1964 when Bob joined the Dental Group of Jung and Jung. Adding Eric and Kurt to the fold, the Tjossems quickly settled down and became pillars of the community. Bob was active in Jaycees, Softball, Rotary International (with a stint as President), School Board, and President of the Riverview Hospital Association to name but a few. He even co-hosted the (in)famous annual Wild Game Feed. In 1982, Bob decided to venture out on his own and ran his own successful dental business for 10 years.

Throughout their time in Crookston, many a summer respite was had at BAGASAKE (the aptly-named Tjossem lake cabin: Bob and Gretchen and Ann Scott Kurt Eric) on Pike Bay off of Cass Lake with fishing and games and sunsets galore. It was a particularly special place where many a family and friend gathered, and many a hand of smear played.

At the tender and envious age of 55, Bob retired and he and Gretchen built their dream log home outside of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho where they enjoyed the peace and solitude that the beautiful Idaho nature has to offer. As is his wont, Bob immediately became a leader of their small community and was even dubbed “Mayor of the Meadow.” But also as is his nature, he did much more, rolling up his sleeves and doing whatever it takes to make a community a better place. Bob became the community’s water engineer, snow remover and volunteer fire fighter amongst many other bits and bobs.

Wanting to be closer to their children, Bob and Gretchen sold their dream log home in 2007 and returned to Minnesota, settling down in Red Wing. Bob particularly enjoyed his time golfing, his weekly coffee crew, his wood shop and watching his grandchildren grow up. He continued these activities when he moved to Eden Prairie in 2019.

An extraordinary husband, father, friend, leader, man. Know right from wrong. No regrets. No guilt. These were how Bob Tjossem lived his life, and the lessons he imparted to others. His council when camping, was to leave the campsite better than found upon arrival. He lived up to this principal and more, having left the world a far better place.

Bob is survived by his wife Gretchen and children:

• Ann (Bob) Martinka and grandchildren Levi, Joy, and Aaron Martinka;

• Scott (Shari) Tjossem and grandchildren Rob (Audrey), Allison, Matt (Zandie), Mitch (Atsumy)

Tjossem; and Nicole and Caitlyn Stevens;

• Eric (Elizabeth) Tjossem and grandchildren Madden, Greta Tjossem;

• Kurt (Paula) Tjossem and grandchildren Luca, Keifer Tjossem.

• Scott (Shari) Tjossem and grandchildren Rob (Audrey), Allison, Matt (Zandie), Mitch

(Atsumy)Tjossem; and Nicole and Caitlyn Stevens; Great Grandchildren Jozie Morlan, Owen Morlan,

Naomi Mord, Piper Tjossem, and Great Great Grandchild Bennett Jasso

And many, many friends.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Bob to a charity of your choice in order to leave the world a better place.