Chaska, Minnesota
Nyen, Robert "Bob" Olaf "The Duke of Dirt", 72, beloved father and grandfather, of Chaska, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Archie Nyen, Sr., and brother Larry Nyen. He is survived by his former wife, Grace Anderson; sons, Andy Nyen and Tony (Jenny) Nyen; grandchildren, Tatumn and Bode; as well as his brothers, Archie (Jean) Nyen, Jr. and Garry Nyen; along with many other friends and family members. Born on January 23, 1937 in Allen, Nebraska, Bob was raised on the Nyen family farm, where he was introduced to his life's passion of equipment operation. He completed high school at the Allen Consolidated School. He was proud to serve in the 13th Engineer Battalion during the Korean War as a Combat Engineer and went on from there to found Nyen Excavating in Chaska, Minnesota in 1968. Bob earned the nickname the Duke of Dirt for his innovative approach and dedication to the excavation industry. Friends and family are invited to the Memorial Service for Bob Nyen on Friday, June 5th from 3-6pm at the Snyder Building of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, immediately followed by a social gathering at the same location with hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Please note that there is no admission required to attend this event. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located at 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318. In lieu of flowers, the family request the Memorials be made out to Bloomington Lutheran Schools. Bertas Funeral Home Chaska (952) 448-2137
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To the Nyen Family,
We all always enjoyed visiting with Bob when we would see him and considered him among our friends. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
John,Kevin and Johnny Turner, Turner Excavating\Turner Bros Inc.
John Turner
June 08, 2009 | Savage, MN
Andy and Family
I learned a lot from your father, about fathers and sons, it helped me tremendously with my sons. We had many, many discussions regarding our sons, I will tell you he loved you and wanted the world for you. You can walk tall knowing you made him proud. I miss our talks and walks, he left me with knowledge and comfort that is not easily found now days. He will be in my heart for always, as I am sure he is in yours. Your father is loved and missed, may his legacy live...
Julie Fick Vietmeier
June 05, 2009 | Chaska, MN
Tony,Andy@Family
Our thoughts are with all of you ,Bob was a very good friend of ours we got to know him quit well when he lived in Belle Plaine and than he would come in a wampachs to have a bite to eat or just to chat, he will be missed by alot of people,
sandy/sm/shane neal
June 04, 2009 | Shakopee, MN
Bob moved a lot of dirt for PEMTOM when Dan was building houses. Dan gave him the name, "Duke of Dirt!" Bob always had a smile for you when you saw him. He was one hard working "DUKE" and liked by everyone that new him. May he rest in peace.
Karen Herbst
June 01, 2009 | Chanhassen, MN
To the Family of Bob Nyen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was always good to us and he did all the landscaping for our home in '73 to perfection! A lot of good memories for us all to remember and to help you through the coming days.
Syl & Lea Speldrick
Syl & Lea Speldrick
June 01, 2009 | Chaska, MN
Tony and Family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Bob will be remebered by many and missed by many more. He was a great guy who lived to work and pass on his knowledge to others who were around him. I have several memories of my own from years ago and I can say he has played a role in my own life. He was a guy who spoke his mind and was honest with himself and others. He could be tough but he was always fair. He knew what hard work was and did whatever it took to...
Eric Kohman
May 31, 2009 | Jordan, MN
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mark Wangerin
May 31, 2009 | Belle Plaine, MN
