Robert Elsner

Robert “Bob” D. Elsner, 89, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday April 7th, 2018.

Robert Donald Elsner was born on April 23rd, 1928 to Edwin and Edna (Olson) Elsner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  At a young age, his family moved to Springfield, IL, where he graduated from Springfield High School.  During his high school years, Bob loved playing the Cornet in his high school band. He also started to attend Camp Anokijig (YMCA) in Racine, WI., which he attended for many years, first as a camper, and then as a counselor. It was at Camp where he learned how to sail and sailing soon became his lifelong passion.

Bob met the love of his life, Jean, after she asked him to her Senior Nurses Prom.  The couple dated for six months and were soon engaged. They were married on October 21st, 1951, at the Chicago Temple, living happily together for 66 years. After getting married, the two moved to Rolla, MO, where Bob was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood during his service in the United States Army.

The couple moved and lived in Michigan, together raising their family of four children.  Bob’s dream of moving back to Wisconsin became a reality in 1974.   He had a career in sales, eventually opening his own business.  Bob had a love for photography, and he later opened his own photography studio.

Bob shared his love of sailing with Jean and they enjoyed many years of sailing together. Bob enjoyed sailing so much, he chose to teach others the courses in safety, navigation and maintenance of a vessel. His passion for sailing earned him a 25 years of service ring with the Power Squadron.

In 2013, Bob and Jean moved to the Detroit Lakes area to be closer to family.  He left his beloved state of Wisconsin and his Green Bay Packers, learning to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings. (As long as they weren’t playing against his Green Bay Packers!)

Bob’s Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his family were the foundations of his life. Both Bob and Jean were devoted to these two principles; Faith and Family. They were inseparable and did everything together.  Bob was a devoted husband and father and was proud of each of his children and grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean, of Detroit Lakes, Four children: Michael (Pat), of Vestal, NY, Sue (Kevin) Marvin, of Swanton, VT, Don (Cheryl) of Raleigh, NC, and Sharon (Dave) Roethel, of Detroit Lakes, MN. 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents; and Brother Stuart.