Robert James “Bob” was born on October 29, 1947 in
Mahnomen
,
MN
to James and Stella (Stall) VanderPlaats.
He was raised and educated in Mahnomen, graduating from
Mahnomen
High School
in 1966.
Bob entered the United States Army on August 24, 1967.
He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War where he earned four medals including a Purple Heart.
Bob was honorably discharged on July 7, 1969 and moved to
Detroit
Lakes
.
He started working at the Detroit Lakes Post Office and later Dynamic Homes before taking a job with Snappy’s in
Detroit
Lakes
where he has been working for the past 30 years. Bob had a love for the outdoors.
He enjoyed fishing in the lakes area and hunting whenever possible.
He was known for his attention to detail, even to the point of ironing his t-shirts and pants before going out into the public.
Bob was an Elvis fan and enjoyed listening to his music and later developed a love for country music.
He was especially fond of his dogs, especially his rat-terrier Sophie and always enjoyed a good conversation with his friends and family.
Bob will be remembered and dearly missed by his daughters; Lindsay VanderPlaats of St. Cloud, MN, Bobi Lyn Spaeth of Waubun, MN and Amber Neftzger of Fargo, ND his mother; Stella VanderPlaats of Mahnomen, MN, four brothers: Larry (JoAnne) of Waubun, MN, Dave of Mahnomen, Mike (Cindy) of Mahnomen, MN and Brent (Bonnie) of Hendrum, MN, three sisters: Julie VanderPlaats of Grafton, ND, Deb (Rick) Winter of Mahnomen and Tammy (Rodney) Benson of Mahnomen along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father James and his grandparents.
