Robert Stanley "Bob" TILSEN

1925 - 2023

Born January 10, 1925, in Bismarck, ND. Bob died peacefully in Lilydale, MN September 7, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandra Faye Tilsen (nee Siegel) and her three children; his children, Scott (Linda), James (Deanna Wiener), Laurie (Randall Bell), Janie, and Jon-Jay (Ihrie Means); his 12 grandchildren and their spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Tilsen (nee Franer); his parents, Edward and Esther Tilsen; and his siblings, Mirel Marvy, Benjamin L. Tilsen, Jean Brust and Kenneth E. Tilsen. Bob was born in Bismarck, ND, lived with his family in New Leipzig, ND and Iron Mountain, MI, but spent most of his childhood and life in St. Paul and Mendota Heights. Bob was a proud Army Air Forces WWII veteran. He was a major figure in residential construction in the St. Paul area, building thousands of "Tilsenbilt Homes" and a Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders. He also built and ran Westview Park Apartments in West St. Paul. He was an astute gin player and an avid fisherman. He played handball for decades. His group of 90 year old plus players was often featured in Boca Raton - Delray Beach news. He took up golf at age 62 and played through 2021. He was known as a kind and non-judgmental person, and full of stories from the war, his world travels and his years in construction and development. Funeral Service MONDAY, September 11 at 10am at Temple of Aaron, 616 Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul MN 55116. Monday night Shiva Minyan 7 pm at Overlook Community Room. 1700 S. Lexington Ave., Lilydale. Hodroff-Epstein 651-698-8311 www.hodroffepstein.com