Robert "Bob" Prestebak

Robert "Bob" Prestebak, 97, of Thief River Falls, MN formerly of Goodridge, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Minnesota Greenleaf in Thief River Falls, with his loving family by his side.
The service to celebrate Robert's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Goodridge Cemetery, Goodridge, MN.
Robert Keith Prestebak was born on January 29, 1927 to Laurenca and Ole Prestebak in Thief River Falls Minnesota. When he was nine years old, the family moved to a farm north of Goodridge where Robert grew up and learned to love the farming life. Bob graduated from Goodridge High School in 1945. A friend arranged a blind date with Arlene Johnson from Middle River and he surprised her with an engagement ring on Valentine's Day. They were married on June 14, 1953. They were married for 71 years.
Bob was unexpectedly drafted into the United States Army in 1954 when he was 29 years old. He was newly married and had an infant son. This unwanted surprise turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. He was sent to Chinon France where Arlene and baby joined him. A second son was born there. They made lifelong friends with Americans from across the U.S. and learned to love their French community.
After the service, Bob and Arlene and two sons returned to the farm near Goodridge. They expanded the farm operation and their family. A daughter was born. 15 years later, another girl surprised them. They also hosted exchange students from Ecuador, Brazil and France.
Bob suffered health problems in mid-life and went to the Bemidji area to recuperate–thus began another lifelong adventure. Bob made friends with the Dickinson family who owned the Buena Vista Ski area and eventually joined them as a jack-of-all-trades, participating in everything from working on lifts to making snow. He would hitch up a team of horses for sleigh rides and assist with special events. Eventually, Bob and Arlene bought a lake lot on Lake Julia. This became a winter and summer retreat for the whole family.
Bob was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge. He also participated in the Bit and Bridle Saddle Club and the Grygla Lions Club. He was devoted to his family, parents, sister, cousins and many friends.
He is survived by his wife Arlene, his son Tim Prestebak, daughter Jane Prestebak (Sam Storino) and daughter Dena Halsa (Mike), exchange daughter, Katia Sakoschek. His grandchildren, Lorentza Ruud (Etienne Daly), Anna (Alex) Burton, Adelle (Tyler) Christianson, Adrian Prestebak, Alan (Ariana) Prestebak, Nathanial Halsa, Aaron Halsa, and Molly Halsa. His great-grandchildren, Jack Christianson, Cheslie Burton, Thomas Burton, Gus Christianson, Jordy Burton, Bjorn Christianson, Bianka Burton, Eugenie Ruud Daly, and Theo Prestebak.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Laurenca Prestebak and his son J.O. (James Ole) Prestebak, daughter-in-law, Michelle Prestebak, his sister, Phyllis (Al) Sollom and infant sister Dorothy Prestebak. His in-laws, Wayne and Evelyn Johnson and brothers-in-law, Jerry (LaRue) Johnson, Dennis (Cheri) Johnson, and Richard (Gail) Johnson.