Robert Coleman

Robert (Bob) Jerome Coleman passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness and natural causes in July 1st, 2025, while on hospice care at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Bob was born on December 5th, 1937, to Martin and Francis Coleman in Morris, Minnesota. As the youngest of six children, he grew up on a farm outside of Herman, MN. Following 8th grade, he attended high school at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in St. Joseph, MN, and graduated in 1955. Though he continued to support the family farm during this time, he played baseball and worked for the school newspaper and annual. Thereafter, he was in Army Reserves for 6 years and began work for the Minnesota Highway Department as a bridge inspector. In 1974 he began work as an engineer for the Street Department in Fergus Falls and retired as the Assistant City Engineer in 1999.

On a warm January 7th day in 1958 he married the love of his life, Janet Kathryn Drexler, also from Herman. Their love story spanned over 60 years until her passing in December 2019. Three infant children born prematurely early in their marriage and passing away following birth (Brenda 1959, Jeffrey 1960, and Julie 1961). Daughter (Michelle) and son (Michael) were adopted in 1968 and 1969. The fondest memories of family life were from camping at Shady Nook Resort on Pickerel Lake in Ottertail County, traveling and church activities.

A deep faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ was evident in every aspect of Bob's life. Though he was baptized in the Catholic Church, he and Janet became born-again in 1975 during a bible study group they attended. In 1980, the family joined a local, young and growing non-denominational church in Fergus Falls (Community Bible Church). The family was very active in the church and he served as a Deacon. Bob and Janet held bible study in their home for many years. For a time, they attended First Assembly of God, in South Fargo, North Dakota. In later years and ongoing health issues, they remained devoted to their Christian faith though traveling limited in-person attendance.

As an engineer, Bob was meticulous. There was a place for everything and everything was in its place. He enjoyed wood working and being outdoors, especially if it was near water. His gentle and kind spirit will always be remembered, as well as his quick wit, facial expressions, and laughter. He was a man of his word and held in high regard by all. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though living in Oregon, he was able to meet his now three-year-old twin great-granddaughters in person a few times. He also enjoyed seeing their pictures, hearing stories, and using live FaceTime with Michelle and Chelsey's family.

In late 2022, Bob moved Chippewa Falls, WI, to be near his daughter and son-in-law following the unexpected death of Michael in August 2022. He thrived in his Assisted Living environment, seeing Michelle and Tim at least once a week and having a new social environment for his jokes and witty banter. Though he said he would never become a Cheese-Head, he enjoyed life in Wisconsin while wearing his purple and yellow Minnesota Viking's socks. Many residents and workers at the Lakehouse Assisted Living Facility shared how much they loved having him around and the joy he brought to the facility. He remained there until late May 2025 when he began the final weeks of his life and is greatly missed.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Francis Coleman of Herman, Minnesota; siblings, Evelyn (Dale) Richards of Starbuck, Minnesota, Donald (Donna) Coleman of Shelton, WA, and infant brother Joseph; wife, Janet; infant children, Brenda, Jeffery, and Julie, and son, Michael all of Fergus Falls.

He is survived by sisters, Dorothy (Paul) Richards of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and Helen (Melbert) Hohn of Letcher, South Dakota; daughter, Michelle (Tim) Peterson of Arkansaw, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Chelsey (Jakin) Chapman of Klamath Falls, Oregon and their children Naome and Willow; grandson, Jordan (Heather) Mahoney of Stewartville, Minnesota and their children Aren and Casey; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com