Robert Norman "Bob" Barsness

Robert N. Barsness, Bob, of Edina, formally of Prior Lake, passed away in the early morning of March 18, 2026, after a short but brave fight against cancer. He was almost 82 years old.

Bob was born March 31, 1944 to E. Norman and Lois Barsness. Bob was the second of three children. He had an older brother, Richard (Dick) and a little sister Debra. He grew up in Richfield, MN where he graduated from high school in 1962. He attended St. Olaf College where he met the love of his life, Gail Lageson. The couple was married on January 29, 1966 in Albert Lea, and Bob graduated from St. Olaf that May.

Bob was commissioned into the Marine Corps just days before his college graduation. Bob and Gail moved around the country while he completed officer basic school. In December 1967, Bob was shipped off to Vietnam where he was stationed near the DMZ. He reached the rank of Major, served 3 years in active duty and 15 years in the Reserves, making Bob a proud Marine to the end.

Upon his discharge, Bob attended banking school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Bob and Gail bought their first home in Prior Lake, and in 1969 he began his career at Prior Lake State Bank - first as an assistant cashier making his way to President. His heart was in the community, and he took immense pride working for and with the people of Prior Lake. He valued the idea of community banking so much that he was an active member and chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. He was a board member of the Independent Community Bankers of America and served as its president from 1999-2000. Bob loved his job, his employees, and his town. He reluctantly retired from banking in 2014.

If there was anything that Bob loved more than his career, it was his family. Bob and Gail had three children, Eric, Kari, and Krista. Despite his busy schedule, he found time to help coach their sports, participate in their recitals, and attend their different activities. Although it wasn't a requirement, all three children followed in their parents' footsteps and also attended St. Olaf College. Bob reveled in reliving his college days whenever he visited and was immensely proud of his kids. Then came the seven grandchildren. His social calendar started to fill up with their activities as well. When in town, he would plan out his week based on their games, performances, and special moments. Sometimes to Gail's chagrin, Bob traveled to different states for soccer tournaments and ultimate frisbee nationals, spent time in Florida and different countries streaming hockey games, took the grandkids to Disney World and other amazing destinations, and never missed a moment to tell the grandkids he loved them.

As if all of that wasn't enough, Bob had many other passions. He was politically active in his younger years and was a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 1980. He began running in his 40's and completed his first marathon in the early 1980's. Over time, he completed 40 marathons - in Minnesota, London, California, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York City and achieved his goal of qualifying and running the Boston Marathon. He also found ways to give back to others. He was a charter member of the Prior Lake Rotary Club, and continued to be active in the club after moving to Edina in retirement. He donated blood, organized service projects through the bank, was an active member in both church communities (Shepherd of the Lake and Mount Olivet), and remained a supporter of public schools throughout his life.

He loved seeing the world with his favorite travel partner, Gail, and he never let the dust settle before thinking about his next adventure. He visited all 7 continents, attended 2 different Olympic games, and 6 different World Cup Soccer tournaments. In retirement, he looked forward to spending his winters in Fort Myers Beach and making friends in their condominium building. Gail's family cabin on Leech Lake also became a favorite place of his where he spent a lot of time tinkering, laughing, and relaxing. Fourth of July at Leech was a cherished time for boating with the grandkids, eating at the Walker American Legion, and nights outside chatting and reminiscing. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending any and all professional sporting events.

Bob was caring, loyal, and funny. He had a personality that was larger than life and he could carry on a conversation with anyone he met. He accomplished so much in his life yet was always humble. His generosity knew no bounds. He could be stubborn and tough, but under the surface, he was a sentimental sap, often being the first to cry tears of happiness. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, Bob looked forward to lefse and lutefisk (both with butter) every holiday season. He was known to burst out in song - primarily the Marine Corps hymn or the St. Olaf fight song. Bob was a leader and professional, but also would slip in an inappropriate joke when you least expected it. His head of white hair and the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled will forever be remembered. His message to his grandchildren in the end was to be kind and always do one good thing each day.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gail; his children Eric (Beth) Barsness of St. Paul, Kari Barsness of Raleigh, NC, and Krista (Brandon) Winkel of Edina; 7 grandchildren - Ethan, Autumn, and Dylan Barsness, Savannah and Sebastian Cobb, and Davin and Berit Winkel; sister Debbie (Randy) Holmes, sister-in-law Lee Barsness, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lois and E. Norman Barsness; brother, Dick Barsness; and too many Marine Corps comrades. His family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the MN VA Hospital for their care and compassion during his illness.

A visitation will be held at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake on March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:30 p.m. Per his request, a gathering will take place at the Prior Lake VFW at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to MAC-V or The Marine Corp Scholarship Foundations.