Robert "Bob" Gage

Robert Durelle "Bob" Gage, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at The Wilds Golf Club in Prior Lake, MN. Open House Noon-3pm. Food & drink provided. A dove release will take place at 1:30 pm.

Bob was born in Illinois in 1939 and moved to Minnesota as a young boy. In 1961, Bob graduated from Coe College in Iowa where he met Barbara, a nursing student at St Luke's College. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and they married in 1962. Barb followed him to Japan after her graduation. He served three years in Japan in the Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and continued as Naval Reserve for three more years. He loved the rules and structure of the military and had considered it for a career. Upon returning from Japan, he joined his father, Bill Gage, in the rep business that he started back in 1955. A few months later, Bob and Barb's first daughter was born. Soon, inventory filled Bob and Barb's garage, marking the official beginning of the Re-Distribution business that became Gage & Gage, Inc., currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.

With the growth and national visibility of the Re-Distribution business, Bob never forgot the importance of the rep division. He was a former president of the MRA (Manufacturers' Representative of America), an organization promoting professional ethics and education. The MRA created the CPMR (Certified Professional Manufacturers' Representative) designation and Bob was a proud graduate of the very first class. Now, in many industries, the CPMR is the expected standard for any owner of a rep firm.

In the busy season at Gage & Gage, Bob could be found in the warehouse pulling orders with the warehouse staff. No job was either too big or too small for Bob. He was a true mentor, meaning he believed in the success of the others. In 2011, Bob was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the RPA (Retail Packaging Association), and in 2012, Bob and Barb were given the Lifetime Achievement Award from RJO (Retail Jeweler's Organization).

Bob was respected for his hardworking nature and had many interests. He enjoyed theater production and set lighting in college. He was also active in his fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau. When his parents bought land in Annandale, MN for a cabin, Bob built the cabin from the ground up with a good friend while living in a tent on the property. We have many cherished family memories "at the lake" and that cabin still stands today. He loved working in his shop building elaborate train sets and even a puppet theater for his daughter. You could hear his music, often blasting Neil Diamond while he worked. If he wasn't there, he was working in the garden. Bob was a true gourmet and believed that good food could cure anything. A connoisseur of tastes from around the world, everyone was welcome at his table.

Bob and Barb found a lifestyle they love and many friendships through their Samoyeds. They became highly involved in the local Samoyed Club, hiked and camped with other club members, and fostered rescue dogs. Bob truly enjoyed running the concessions for agility competitions. The Samoyed smile brought him so much joy throughout the decades.

Bob spent his last few months at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN surrounded by amazing people who not only cared for his body but also nurtured his spirit. If you wish to make a donation in Bob's honor, please consider the VA Home in Luverne. The staff has a genuine desire to make every day the best it can be for our veterans and we feel blessed to have had their support.

Bob will be missed dearly by his wife, Barbara; his two daughters, Deborah and Alisa; his four grandchildren, Siri, Aiden, Bryce, and Bria; his sister, Ann; and his three Samoyeds: Chase, Maya, and Ziva.