Robert Fjelstad

Robert Erling “Bob” Fjelstad, age 74, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Bob was born June 6, 1940 in Eau Claire, WI, to Erling “Whitey” and Florence (Kalanquin) Fjelstad. He graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire in 1959. He lived most of his life in Eau Claire. Bob worked at the paper company and then at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company for 26 years, and served as local union steward for the United Rubber Workers. He retired in 1992 when the plant closed. He also worked part-time for the Eau Claire School District in lawn care and as a substitute custodian. It was during that time that he met Kristine (Kage) Dawley. On September 13, 1997, Bob and Kris were married at their palace near Bashaw Lake. When Kris retired in 2004, they moved to the palace where they were often referred to as King Bob and Queen Kris. Bob was a member of Lakeview United Methodist Church in the town of Dewey. He was a very active man all of his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, raising beef cattle and horses, canoeing, and riding his ATV. He also was proficient in martial arts, and held a 2nd degree black belt in Karate. Bob is survived by his wife, Kris, of Shell Lake; a son, Robert T. Fjelstad (Deb Hagler) of Cape Coral, FL; a daughter, Stacey (Mark) Schmitz of Sarona; stepchildren: Mona (Chad) Braune of Eau Claire, Roger Dawley (Jody Retzloff) of Colfax; grandchildren: Brooke, Taylor and Colby Schmitz; and Zach Myers, Dustin Retzloff, and Abbi Dawley. Also surviving are sisters: Nancy Leazott (Tom Taylor) of Eau Claire, Jocelyn (Duane) Drake of Fall Creek, Jacquelyn (Dave) Cochrane of Lady Lake, FL; a brother, Denny (Deb) Fjelstad of Mondovi; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant sister. The memorial service for Bob Fjelstad will be conducted on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am) at Lakeview United Methodist Church on County Rd X, south of Hertel. Rev. Jack Starr is the officiant. Interment of Bob’s urn will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.