Robert Martin Skare

Robert "Bob" Skare, age 95, of Waconia MN, formerly of Aspen CO; Tower MN; and Golden Valley MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 2026, after a day surrounded by family singing hymns, praying, reading scripture, and sharing stories at his bedside.

Grandpa Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Verna Skare; his wife, Marilyn; his sister, Jenelle Dow; and his sons, Randy and Robb.

Bob practiced law in Minneapolis for more than 30 years as a Senior Partner at Best & Flanagan and served nearly 25 years as City Attorney for Golden Valley. He was also General Counsel and Vice President of Lutheran Brotherhood Mutual Funds (now Thrivent) for over 24 years and played a key role in launching its mutual fund business. His leadership extended to numerous faith-based and nonprofit organizations, including the Lutheran Human Relations Association of America, the American Lutheran Church National Board of Trustees, Vesper Society, the Aspen Institute Community Forum, the Lutheran Bible Institute, and the Search Institute of Minnesota. He also served as a CIC liaison officer with the Army and FBI during the Korean War.

Bob and Marilyn lived in Aspen for nearly 20 years, sharing their love of skiing with their children and grandchildren, and they cherished time fishing and boating with their family at their lodge on Lake Vermilion. Their Christian faith guided their lives and church involvement, which they also instilled in their children and grandchildren, and Bob was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan and a charter season ticket holder for more than 50 years.

Grandpa Bob is survived by his sons Rodger (Karin) and Rick (Kristin); daughter-in-law Debra; grandchildren Katie DeMello (Ricky), Michael (Leah), Eric, Kylie Klehr (Sam), Lauren Ferry (Brian), Anna, Charlee, Sam (Aili), and Martin; great-grandchildren Harvey Ferry, June Skare, and Kiran DeMello (and a 4th expected in March); brothers-in-law George Dow and Larry Hutchinson (Connie); and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held Monday, January 12, at 11:00 AM at Word of Peace Lutheran Church, 21705 129th Ave N, Rogers, MN, with visitation at 10:00 AM and lunch following the service. The service will also be livestreamed at www.wordofpeace.org/funeralstream.

Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis next spring. Memorials are preferred to Luther Seminary St. Paul, or Veterans Donor Connect.