Robert “Bob” Rickheim

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Verlyn Rickheim was born on February 9, 1951, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was the son of Verlyn and Elsie (Gorr) Rickheim. Bob was baptized as an infant on March 15, 1951, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Penn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on June 6, 1965, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. He received his education in Winthrop and was a graduate of the Winthrop High School Class of 1969.

Bob enlisted in the United States Army in December 1969, and continued to serve our country as a member of the United States Army Reserves until January 12, 1981.

On January 1, 1972, Bob was united in marriage to Susan “Sue” Woller at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. After their marriage, the couple resided in Winthrop. Bob and Susan were blessed with one son, Cory. Bob held several short-term jobs until he found his calling as a flour miller at Conagra Foods, where he started with an entry level position and was proud to retire as a head miller.  Bob and Susan shared 48 years of marriage.

Bob was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop and served as Treasurer, and Elder and was a member of the church choir. He was also a member of the Jaycees, the Winthrop Honor Guard and served on the Winthrop city council.

Bob had a lifelong passion for music.  He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing and sharing those gifts with his family and friends.  He was an avid hunter and spent time fishing locally, in Canada and on Lake of the Woods. Bob loved to travel, and could make it to Arizona without looking at a map from the many road trips taken with Sue.  Bob was an excellent cook and was not satisfied until everyone had enough to eat!  He cherished the time he spent with his family, and loved being ‘Papa Bob’ to his three grandchildren.

Bob passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Abbott Northwestern. Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 69 years. Blessed be his memory.

Bob is survived by his:
Wife,   Sue Rickheim of Winthrop, MN;
Son,     Cory Rickheim and his wife, Melissa of Apple Valley, MN;
Grandchildren, Alexandra, Jackson and Avery;
Brothers, Lonnie (Julie) Rickheim of Brooklyn Center, MN, and Steve (Gwen) Rickheim of Winthrop, MN;
Father-in-law, Edwin Woller;
Step siblings, Norman Pioske, Kevin Pioske, John Pioske and his wife, Maureen, Wendy Koperski and her husband, Donn, and Barry Pioske and his wife, Jackie;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his Parents, Verlyn and Elsie Rickheim; Step Father, Orville Pioske; Mother-in-law, Frieda Woller.