Robert Gottenborg

Robert Charles Gottenborg, 88, of Detroit Lakes, MN. peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Pelican Landing, Detroit Lakes, MN, under the loving care of his family, the Pelican Landing staff, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Bob was born September 24, 1935, in Detroit Lakes, MN. to Isaac and Alice Gottenborg, of Audubon, MN. Bob attended elementary and high school in Audubon, MN., graduating in 1953. While in high school and after graduating, Bob worked alongside his father, Isaac, at the Audubon "spud house," and also worked with a trucking company for several years.

Bob loved playing all sports as a young boy and during high school. He was a proud paperboy for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Torgerson, his high school sweetheart, on October 20, 1956. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on October 20, 2023.

In 1957, after they were married, Bob and Phyllis moved to Dowagiac, MI. Bob became affiliated as an agent with Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal life insurance company. While in Dowagiac, MI, Bob and Phyllis welcomed three sons, Jeffrey, David, and Christopher.

Bob was promoted to Assistant State Manager of MI., and transferred to Lansing, MI. in 1961. In 1962, while in Lansing, Bob and Phyllis welcomed their only daughter, Jennifer.

In 1963, in a move to Rockford, IL, Bob was promoted to state manager of northern Illinois. During this time, he attended several schools in finance and management, including Purdue University. In 1966, Bob moved his family back to Minnesota, where he continued with Modern Woodmen of America as a manager of two-thirds of MN and one-half of North Dakota. He continued this until his retirement in 1993.

Bob was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Sportsman's Club, and Cormorant Lions. He was president and treasurer of the Audubon Development Corporation, and served on the Audubon School Board, and First Lutheran Church Board.

Bob and Phyllis enjoyed over 50 trips with Modern Woodmen of America, all over the U.S. and abroad. Bob was an avid sports fan, a hunter, and the head camp cook at deer camp. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Yard work, gardening, and planting trees was his relaxation and life's reward.

After Bob's retirement in 1993, he and Phyllis split their time between Las Vegas, and Minnesota, where their two sons and their families resided.

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis, three sons, Jeff (Lisa) of Las Vegas, NV, David (Kim) of Pelican Rapids, MN, Chris of Las Vegas, NV, and one daughter, Jennifer of Mendota Heights, MN. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Kacie, Sara, Joshua, Bethany, Erik, Isaac, Alyssa, Nathan, Jacob, and Rachel. Bob leaves behind six great grandchildren, Lilah, Gunnar, Wyatt, Jett, Mason, and Hailey. Bob is survived by his brother, John (Kathleen) of Plymouth, MN, and his sister-in-law, Frances Gottenborg, Audubon, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Issac, and his mother, Alice, of Audubon, MN., his brothers, Roger and James Gottenborg of Audubon, and his sister, Susan Rasmussen, Detroit Lakes, MN.

The visitation for Robert will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at David-Donehower Funeral Home (609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501). A prayer service will close out the evening at 7 PM. Visitation continues on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in the funeral home from 10-11 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Rev. Matthew Engum of St. Peter's Church-Audubon officiating. Final rest will be in First Lutheran Church Cemetery.