Robert Charles "Bob" Engelstad

Robert Charles Engelstad, "Bob", devoted and loving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully, on March 19, 2025, of heart failure. He was 92 years old. He was the youngest child of Robert and Mathilda "Tilly" (Huso) Engelstad and was born and raised in the small town of Aneta, North Dakota.
Bob was the valedictorian of his high school class of sixteen. He always said it was one of life's great unanswered questions for him whether he would still rank as high in a class of 400 or was he just the smartest of those sixteen (i.e. he would be number 384 if there had been 400). Regardless, he went on to college and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1954.
Upon graduation, Bob took a job with what was then called Arthur Andersen & Co., and remained there for 25 years, ultimately serving as a partner in AA & Co.'s Consulting Group. He did take a 2+ year break from AA & Co. early in his career to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. After his tenure at AA & Co, he went on to lead several different companies, often in turnaround situations.
Bob met the love of his life (Dede Paulsen) on a blind date and they were married 6 months later. Bob and Dede had been married over 66 years, when Dede passed away Sept. 2, 2024. They had both been residing in Folkestone in Wayzata for the last ten years. Prior to moving back to Wayzata, they spent 20 years of winters in Rio Verde, AZ and summers in Hayward, WI on beautiful Lac Courte Oreilles. Bob taught all of his kids a strong work ethic and role modeled a strong father figure. He not only allowed but encouraged Dede to continue her career, even as their family grew.
He will be greatly missed.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Tami (Mark) Kozikowski, his two sons Rob (Sondra) and Rich (Jeanette), and his three granddaughters Kendall, Lauren and Alex. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Norton and his two sisters, June (Engelstad) Grundahl and Marion (Engelstad) Rice.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. Visitation with the family, 10:00 a.m. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to COLA (Courte Oreilles Lake Association) https://courteoreilleslakesassociationinc-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/9592b524-5452-457e-b9de-e26f1128796e or Presbyterian Homes. https://preshomes.org/give/#give-once designate
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