Robert "Bob" Joseph Chalifoux

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Joseph Chalifoux, who died peacefully on July 4, 2025, at age 83. A beloved husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, favorite uncle, loyal friend, and man of unwavering faith, Bob leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and deep love for those fortunate enough to know him. Born on August 23, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Bob was the youngest of four siblings—a role he cherished throughout his life—and from an early age he was the entertainer of the family. He often spoke fondly of his childhood on the South Side, where he attended St. Dorothy’s grammar school and St. Ignatius College Prep, developing lifelong friendships and the stories to go with them.

He met Betty Lyons at a party her senior year of high school, where he broke her record player and stole her heart. They married in 1964. He received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University and shortly after enrolled in the Army National Guard, serving during the Chicago riots of 1968. Bob was a people person and a natural salesman and storyteller. He worked in sales at Met Life and then 3M. Bob and Betty moved their growing family to Cottage Grove in 1973, when 3M transferred him to the Twin Cities. They joined St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where they found a community of treasured friends. After losing Betty, Bob reconnected with childhood friend Rosemary Simmons, who had also lost her spouse. They married in 1991.

He spent most of his career in sales and marketing with 3M in the Safety & Security, Traffic Control, and Automotive divisions, retiring after 31 years.

Bob found purpose in service to others. He was an active volunteer at church, served on the board for a local food shelf, and spent countless hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He also put his handyman skills to use helping family and friends with home projects whenever he could. His kindness was steady, reliable, and real.

Bob enjoyed many hours with family and friends camping, boating, and golfing, even hitting a hole-in-one. He had an infectious sense of humor that made people feel instantly at ease. His hearty laugh could light up a room, and he had a special gift for storytelling that often left everyone in stitches. He taught his children that life, even in its hardest moments, could still be met with a smile and a joke.

Bob’s five children were his proudest accomplishment. But everyone he knew became like family. Whether it was his stepdaughters, in-laws, coworkers, or the friends of his kids, his ever-present heart made everyone feel as if they were special to him.

Health problems in his later years didn’t dampen Bob’s always positive spirit or his love for people. He will be remembered for his unshakeable faith, his fierce devotion to family, his love for his friends, his kindness to strangers, his stories, his sweet tooth, and his smile.

Rest well, Dad. We miss you and love you so very much!

He is survived by his lifelong best friend and sister Lillian Robinson; his dear friend Ellen Manning, who brought him peace and companionship in his later years; children Ellen (Brian) McAuley, Michelle Chalifoux, Rob Chalifoux, Amy (Eric) Anderson, and Jean (Mike) Kiely; stepdaughters Mary Catherine (Mark) Engman and Christine Simmons; sister-in-law Joanne Chalifoux; and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. He was lovingly known as Grandpa Bob or Papa to his grandchildren: George and Lilly Chalifoux, Ingrid and Annika Anderson, Olivia Kiely, Richard and Ava Lee Swartz, Mason, Mara, Miller, and Marley Engman, and Desmond Hoskins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary (Bogan) Chalifoux; his wife Betty (Lyons) Chalifoux; his second wife Rosemary Simmons Chalifoux; his brother, Richard Chalifoux; his sister Mary Anne Reed; his brother-in-law Robert Robinson; and his stepdaughter Theresa Swartz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Luncheon to follow at River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center, 11099 US-61, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Christo Rey Jesuit H.S., 2924 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (GIVE - Cristo Rey Jesuit High School) or donor’s choice.

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