Robert Edwin Weum

Robert (Bob) Weum passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at the age of 80.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary Weum, and his older brother Bill (William L. Weum). He is survived by Mary C. Weum (Fulton), Bill's wife, niece Molly (Chris) nephews Mark, Mike(Jean), Peter(Christy), and Charles(Laura), and his lifelong friend John Carlson(Janet), along with many dear friends.

Bob was born on February 17, 1945, to Ed and Mary Weum and grew up on Ninth Street in International Falls, where he enjoyed a storybook childhood among wonderful neighbors. In a time before television and cell phones, their home was open and welcoming, the kids were safe, and they spent their days creating their own adventures and roaming freely as far as their bikes would take them.

A bright and happy child, Bob attended Saint Thomas primary school and graduated from Falls High School in 1963. He went on to attend St. John's University, majoring in chemistry, and graduated in 1967 before serving in the Vietnam War.

During his service, the Army sent Bob to a year of specialized electronics school and then to Vietnam, where he worked for a contractor. He was put in charge of maintaining communications installations across much of Southeast Asia and was given a crew of technicians, a pilot, a jet, and a helicopter at his disposal around the clock. He often remarked that when they returned from missions, they would count the bullet holes in the helicopter.

When his tour ended, the contractor offered him a large salary to remain in charge, but Bob had had enough and chose to return home to International Falls, where he lived in the family home on Ninth Street.

Back home, Bob ran a paint and decorating company, The Brush and Needle, and enjoyed a good life. He had several long-term relationships but chose not to marry. His life was rich with loyal friends whom he loved and considered family.

Bob appreciated excellence in all things-a good book, a glass of wine, and a fine meal. He was a gourmet cook, a professional photographer, and an enthusiastic baker of bread. He could converse with knowledge and humor on nearly any subject and likely is now telling God how to run the place.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, Bob.

Memorials in Bob's honor may be directed to the Minnesota Veterans Administration.