Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert O. NAEGELE Jr.

1939 - 2018

Robert O. NAEGELE Jr. obituary, 1939-2018, Naples, FL

BORN

1939

DIED

2018

Robert NAEGELE Obituary

On November 7, 2018, Robert Otto Naegele, Jr's life on earth ended peacefully. He was surrounded by his loving family after a short fight with cancer. He was 78 years old. Bob was born on November 23, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert Otto Naegele, and Harriet Edwards Naegele. His father was the founder of Naegele Outdoor Advertising of the Twin Cities. Bob graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1957, where he played hockey, football and tennis and later graduated from Dartmouth College ('61) in New Hampshire. He married his high school sweetheart Ellis Jean Fitzimons in 1961. For more than twenty years, he worked for and ultimately purchased (with brother Bill Naegele) and led Naegele Outdoor Advertising. In 1984, he invested in a hockey training product company, Ole's Innovative Sports, later renamed, Rollerblade, Inc. Under his leadership, Rollerblade and the sport of inline skating became a national and international pastime. When he sold the company in 1995, he and Ellis made national news by sharing a percentage of the proceeds with every Rollerblade employee. In 1997, Bob and his family successfully led a group of MN investors in pursuing an NHL Expansion franchise, to bring professional hockey back to the state of Minnesota. In October of 2000, the Minnesota Wild was officially born, with Bob as lead investor and Chairman. The Wild found its home in the state-of-the-art, Xcel Energy Center, the centerpiece to the revitalization of downtown St. Paul. His vision and passion for what the sport of hockey means to Minnesotans helped cement the branding of Minnesota as THE "State of Hockey". To commemorate the Wild's dedication to the great hockey fans throughout the state, the Wild raised and retired sweater number one on opening night. The name on the sweater reads, WILD FANS. But the real legacy of Bob's life began in 1973 when he recognized that his broken self was in need of a Savior. His name, Jesus. He would later say, "Jesus was the Good News I'd been searching for my entire life." Knowing how much God loved him, changed everything for Bob. His life passion from that point on was to share the Good News through his life, deeds and words with everyone he encountered. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Ellis Fitzimons Naegele; daughters, Jennifer Jean Naegele, Jill Naegele Trautz, Trisha Naegele Hoyt; and son, Robert Otto Naegele III. Sons-in-law, John Trautz, Greg Hoyt and daughter- in-law, Karen Naegele and 10 grandchildren. Brother, William Otto Naegele; brother-in-law, Michael W. Fitzimons as well as, sisters-in-laws, Stephanie Naegele, and Susan Fitzimons. A celebration of his life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on November 19, 2018 at Grace Church of Eden Prairie. A future celebration will be held in Naples, FL in early 2019. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to one of the following places that Bob loved and supported: Hope Academy (hopeschool.org), Dinomights Inner-City Hockey (dinomights.com), or MN Adult and Teen Challenge (mntc.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert NAEGELE

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

Not sure what to say?





King John

November 3, 2024

Wonderful memories of our lives together.

Timothy D. Naegele

March 27, 2024

Our love to Bill and other family members. God bless always.

David G. McCarthy

April 20, 2023

To this day one of the finest and most caring person I have ever met. May he Rest In Peace.
Always
David G. McCarthy

King John

April 19, 2023

Wonderful friend and fraternity brother.

Mike Lyster

April 17, 2023

As we work through some Collier County issues I recognize what a great contributor he was. Miss you Bob!

John King

November 3, 2021

Nothing but great memories of my friend and fraternity brother.

John King

November 3, 2020

Two years after Bob departed this earth, I know he is with God. What a wonderful man.

Jim Burke

November 3, 2020

Collier County political gatherings are not the same without Bob in attendance. Bob, you are missed.

Lynn Wuytowicz

November 4, 2019

Remembering...

John King

November 3, 2019

Wonderful, Christian man. Miss you Bob.

Keith Flaugh

November 3, 2019

Bob was an amazing champion for many causes including improving our public education system. We miss his wise counsel everyday. Love to Ellis and family.

Thomas Torrey

November 16, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Linda & Chuck Roth

November 15, 2018

Bob was a compassionate and unpretentious gentleman. He was a true friend, generous in words and deeds. Bob made tremendous contributions to our community and beyond.

Bob will be dearly missed.

Our sincere condolence to Ellis and family,

Linda & Chuck Roth

November 15, 2018

Bob was a compassionate, and down to earth gentleman. He was a true friend, generous in words and deeds. He made tremendous contributions to our community and far beyond.

Bob will be dearly missed.

Our sincere condolence to Ellis and the family,

Lee Mesna

November 15, 2018

To all the family, especially Jill, best baseball manager of all time. A gentleman who touched us all, some very briefly like me, some with extended privilege, will be surely missed. Lee Mesna, contractor and former Blake teacher and baseball coach..

Francois & Nancy Paradeise

November 15, 2018

To all the Naegele family.
I was traveling thru the Holyland when I found out the news.
My prayers for Bob and your family have been daily as we are on the tail end of our trip.
Please accept our sincere condolences.

Lynn Wuytowicz

November 14, 2018

It was with shock and great sadness that I learned of Bob's passing. Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers out to all the family. A genuine supporter of all things righteous and just, and an ardent supporter of Eretz Yisrael, his passing will be keenly felt. Comforted only by thoughts of him rejoicing in God's Presence surrounded by all His heavenly tzeh v' oat (hosts)!

Peaceful White Lilies Basket

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Cathee Poulsen

November 13, 2018

Bob - you have been a driving force in many arenas and a blessing in the lives of hundreds - Bob and I being two. Praying with you on Tuesday mornings for years is a shared memory that comes to mind. Your kindness and generosity to our family enriched us in many ways. We cannot be sad about your graduation, but we can acknowledge the hole left where you were. Prayers and love to you, Ellis. May God's presence and the love of many friends carry you through this dark season.

Steve Warm

November 13, 2018

Bob's handshake on a transaction was all you needed. His word was his bond. I will miss him.

Jennifer & Riley Marder

November 12, 2018

Truly one of the good guys. His smile lit up a room. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thought and prayers are with his wife & family.

November 12, 2018

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing .One of the finest people I have ever met in my life.For the love of hockey.Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and the entire Nagele family.
David G. McCarthy
And Family

John King

November 11, 2018

Ellis and Family-Jane and I were shocked when we received the obit from Harris McKee. Fraternity Brother, "61 classmate, wonderful friend, Christian Brother and leader. What more can I say except that I will cherish knowing Bob and you Ellis. May God bless your family at this time of mourning and celebration. John King

Michele Desparois

November 10, 2018

My heart goes out to Ellis and children Bob is my cousin.growing up I have many memories of Bob and Ellis and how kind they were to myself and my father Tommy.Bob took my father to see Billy Graham many years ago, that night my father accepted Jesus Chist as his Lord! there is no greater gift to give someone thank you Bob you will always be in my heart

Roger Andersen

November 9, 2018

I am sad about this news. I was the CFO at Rollerblade when Bob owned that company.He was always a gentleman and an encourager. We made that company into one of the rarest successes in history. And when Bob sold it, he made the rarest of all generous gifts to all of the employees. No one knows about this. It was unbelievable. Secretaries and janitors got gifts that allowed them to send their kids to college. It is an untold legacy.

God bless you, Bob. We will miss this kind of an entrepreneur.

Roger

Karen Zubert

November 9, 2018

Bob and his family lived next door to me for many years in Excelsior. I will always remember him for his zest for whatever project he was involved in and his love for Ellis and his children. My daughter, an only child, spent a lot of time at the Naegele home. She loved being around the family that Bob and Ellis created. RIP Bob. Karen Zubert

Jim Burke

November 9, 2018

I knew Bob as a foe and for many years as a friend and supporter.. through it all he was a gentleman. He will be missed by those of us in Pelican Bayand all of Collier county.Jim burke, pelican bay

Keith Flaugh

November 9, 2018

On behalf of Karen and myself and the entire Florida Citizens Alliance team we send to Ellis and Family our deepest sympathies. Bob had a great passion for improving the education system here in Florida. We will miss him greatly!
Keith Flaugh

Lisa (McFarlin) Wandrei

November 9, 2018

Jill, Bobby and families -

I am so sad to hear of your dad's passing. He was truly a legend. I love how he kept it real and never lost track of his roots in the Minnetonka area, nor his outstanding service as an MHS Alumni. Minnesota Hockey will never be the same. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McFarlin and Wandrei families.

Lisa (McFarlin) Wandrei

November 9, 2018

Jill, Bobby and families -

I am so sad to hear of your dad's passing. He was truly a legend. I love how he kept it real and never lost track of his roots in the Minnetonka area, nor his outstanding service as an MHS Alumni. Minnesota hockey has lost its biggest champion. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McFarlin and Wandrei families. Love and prayers to you all.

Joyce Hirsch

November 9, 2018

Unfortunately, I did not have the honor of meeting Bob Naegele, but he had a profound impact on my husband's life. He mentored Mark and graciously helped with his education. More importantly, he and his family led Mark to his faith in Jesus, which completely turned his life around. We are eternally grateful to the Naegele family and mourn the passing of an incredible, selfless, visionary man.

Marvin Easton

November 9, 2018

Marvin and I want to extend our condolences to Ellis and family. We will miss our friend Bob who was a great humanitarian and friend.

Marvin and Barbara Easton

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Robert NAEGELE's name

Memorial Events
for Robert NAEGELE

Nov

19

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Grace Church of Eden Prairie

MN

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert NAEGELE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more