Robert Paul "Bob" Lindstrom

Robert Paul "Bob" Lindstrom of Strandquist, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on January 24, 2026.

Bob had been undergoing treatment for several forms of cancer over the past 2½ years. He fought like the warrior he was, but the disease ultimately prevailed.

Bob was born at Karlstad Hospital in Karlstad, Minnesota, on October 27, 1952. He grew up on the family farm in rural Strandquist, pitching in with whatever needed doing-from daily chores to bringing in the harvest. He completed all 12 years of his education at Strandquist School, graduating in May 1970.

In August 1970, still too young to enlist without parental consent, Bob chose to join the U.S. Navy. With his parents' signature, he set off to serve his country. He began basic training in California, received further training, and was deployed to Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. He completed his active duty with an honorable discharge as a Seabee E-4 in 1974 and continued serving in the Army Reserves for two years, ending his military career in 1976. Bob also remained devoted to his fellow veterans as an avid member of the Karlstad American Legion Post 445, as well as the Thief River Falls VFW Post 2793.

In 1972, Bob married Debra Newmann, and together they welcomed son Christopher, while stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. The family later returned to Strandquist, settling on Bob's grandfather's land-held in the family name since 1889. Their second son, Nathaniel, was born in 1975.

Bob pursued a career in construction, relocating the family to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he helped build landmark projects including the Columbia Mall, United Hospital (now Altru), and numerous University of North Dakota buildings.

After Bob and Deb separated, he married Patricia (Davis) Lindstrom in 1980. Together they raised three children: daughter Dionne (Brian Smith) of Texas; son Tylor (Janet) Lindstrom and daughter Cassidy, both of Strandquist.

In the prime of his working years, Bob's construction career took him to St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1986, he returned home to Strandquist and purchased the Rainbow Club-his proud local legacy. He and Pat owned and operated the business for 40 years, creating a welcoming gathering place for the community. During these years, Bob also continued construction work, joined pipeline crews, and dabbled in farming-raising pigs, cattle, chickens, and alfalfa.

Bob loved to fish and could often be found at Springsteel Resort in Warroad, or – every February – off the coast of Mexico casting for sailfish. He also enjoyed tracking and hunting in the Strandquist area. His trophy bucks can be found lining the walls of the Bow. In his later years, Bob poured his energy into his massive, bountiful gardens at home. He loved the patience and care it took to help plants thrive, and he took even greater joy in sharing the fruits and vegetables of his labor with friends and family.

Bob is survived by his eight grandchildren: Kaya, Kenslee, and Avery (children of Chris, of Arizona and California); Alexa (fiancé Jacob), Elliot, and Emerson (children of Nate and Jodi of Brooklyn Park, MN); and Ayla and Ashlyn (daughters of Tylor and Janet of Strandquist). He is also survived by his brother Jeff (Peggy) of Akeley, MN; sisters Lori (Ted Johnson) of Osage, MN, and Diane (Paul Ditmanson) of Bemidji, MN; many nieces, nephews, first and second cousins; and extended family.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Ella (Nordine) and Swan Lindstrom; grandparents Evelyn (Hegstrom), Elsie, and Edwin Lefrooth; parents Morris and Marcelyn (Lefrooth) Lindstrom; and nephews Andrew Johnson and Bradley Hoff.

Bob will be remembered for his deep roots in the land he loved, his pride in serving his country at such a young age, his skill as a builder who shaped communities, his entrepreneurial spirit at the Rainbow Club, and above all, the quiet strength, dedication, and love he gave his family and friends every day. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Bob's life with military honors will be held on April 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Rainbow Club in Strandquist, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your local Hospice organization, Trails to Treatments (North Country Horsemen), or The Hand I Was Dealt, both cancer support organizations.

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