Book of Memories for Robert Willard Fleegel

Memorial Candle lit by Jarred Nelson

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:36:36 EDT

Jarred Nelson

Condolence From Randy hall

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 08:31:31 EDT

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time.

Story shared: Fighting Bobby Fleegel

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:59:41 EDT

I lost my last fight ever to Bobby Fleegel. Whipped me pretty good, he did. Friends sometimes did that to friends in those days. No counsellors nor any discipline needed. Just good lessons learned.

We were raised in the safety and comfort of small town post-war America, thanks to the sacrifices of both our parents and those of their contemporaries who were never to return. It was in this environment that our childhood acquaintances matured into permanent lifetime friendships, despite the separation of time, distance and circumstances. Bobby was among my very first group of friends when I transferred from Northrop to St. Bernard’s in the second grade. The Fleegels were, and are, such good people. Willard, Kay, Bobby, Billy and Becky. Their home was a welcoming place where our classmates earned our Cub Scout ranks and completed our achievements. Bobby’s smile and sense of humor permeated our school and summertime activities. We shared each other’s challenges, pranks, joys and growth. And on that single most horrible day of our childhood, we tried our best to support Bobby as we knelt together to say goodbye to Billy.

Grade school turned to high school and “Bobby” became “Bob.” I left Thief River Falls for high school at Collegeville, but home weekends and summer vacation brought us back together. Driver’s tests were passed, and our eyes turned to the road. Our fleet was, in a word, unique. Bob drive a 1948 12 banger Chrysler which, it is best said, had a lot of room in the back seat. Mine was a 1937 Chevy Coupe. Peder and Steven Furuseth drove “Mother’s Hot Yellow,” a 1954 Ford that replaced their red station wagon that, legend has it, Nibbly Nabben caused to be driven into a telephone pole.

Distance and time began to intervene. Our collegiate career included visits to St. Cloud State. Marriages. Children. Careers. Duluth. Bird Island. But it was my great surprise and joy to be reunited with Bob in 1996 as we trudged our daughter’s belongings into their freshman dorm rooms at St. Ben’s.

Distance and time. Before the advent of social media, Dave Mandt and Dick Brown kept me posted. As the years passed, I was saddened to learn that Bob and Sue no longer were together, but respectful of the fact that the chapters of one’s lives are sometimes best kept in their own private book. I learned of Bob’s illness, although the details seemed not to be clear to me. I later learned of Stephanie who, I am told, loved Bob deeply, dearly and unselfishly in the remaining years of a life that ended far too soon. Such a gift is a comfort to those who admired and cared for this most wonderful friend.

Back to the fight. We were in fourth grade. I long since have forgotten why it happened, but I certainly remember the “what.” The brawl began during recess. After chasing each other around the St. Bernard’s schoolyard, the finale took place on the sidewalk at the northwest corner. I lay on my back, with Bobby sitting on my chest. He held me down with his knees and slugged me a couple of times on the nose. When we heard Sister Consuelo ringing the bell, we got up, dusted each other off, put our arms around each other’s shoulders and headed back into the school. But it was then and there that I decided I was a better student than an athlete. As the years went by, the lesson learned on that day became clear. It would be easier winning fights in a courtroom than fighting Bobby Fleegel on a playground!

John Sherack said it best on behalf of all of us. “Bob was always there, many laughs, a loyal friend. Rest in peace, old friend.”

Condolence From Sue Ebbers

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 08:07:10 EDT

Bob was a blessing to us at St. Mary's School in Bird Island. When we were developing our Technology Program he was there to guide us along the way. Where would we have been without his advice? Thank you Bob, for sharing your knowledge, experience and time! To Bob's family,please accept our condolences.

Condolence From Dave Mandt

Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:11:27 EDT

Stephanie-I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a good person and for me who I never stopped thing of as a wonderful brother-in-law and friend. Sue and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Memorial Candle lit by John Sherack, Classmate - Lincoln High Class of '66

Sun, 03 Aug 2014 14:40:39 EDT

John Sherack, Classmate - Lincoln High Class of '66

Photo shared: Fleegel.jpg

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:51:50 EDT

Memorial Candle lit by Sandie Mulder, BILL class of '76

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:36:26 EDT

Sandie Mulder, BILL class of '76

Memorial Candle lit by Terry F Erickson - Class of 1976

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:59:08 EDT

Terry F Erickson - Class of 1976

Memorial Candle lit by Karri (Gerstenkorn) Koelling -- Class of 1980

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:17:53 EDT

Karri (Gerstenkorn) Koelling -- Class of 1980

Condolence From Karri (Gerstenkorn) Koelling

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:15:49 EDT

Mrs. Fleegel and family, I was so saddened to learn of Mr. Fleegel's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers and I so enjoyed his classes. You have my deepest sympathies during this time.

Condolence From Cynthia Sillers

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 12:51:41 EDT

Dear Stephanie and Family, We wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. We did not know Bob very well, but enjoyed meeting him and getting to know him a little. We also heard very nice things about him from family members who knew him better. We know that he struggled with his health these past few years, but also know that you were always there for him. Your support, and love, had to have meant a great deal to him. Know that we love you and are thinking of you. Love, Cynthy, Pat, and Aunt Margaret

Memorial Candle lit by JOELLE STANOCH AUNT

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 19:38:49 EDT

JOELLE STANOCH AUNT