Robert “Bob” Munsterman, formerly of Milan died Friday, March 18, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital, surrounded by his family, at the age of 64.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 1:30 PM at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan, MN with Rev. Kristine Isder and Rev. Chris Matson officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 5-7 PM at the Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo with a prayer service at 7:00 PM led by Rev. Wayne Anderson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Robert “Bob” Alan Munsterman was born June 9, 1951 in Morris, MN the son of Walter Sr. and Mabel (Schliep) Munsterman. He was baptized at Fairfield Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Holloway, MN and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway, MN.
Bob graduated from Appleton High School in 1969. He was a student-athlete on the AHS wrestling team, but enjoyed his time on the football field the most where he played defensive linebacker, center and guard for the Appleton Aces. After two years at Willmar Junior College, he transferred to Moorhead State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and Physical Education. Bob accepted his first teaching position in the Milan School District as the English and Physical Education teacher as well as junior high football coach, head wrestling coach and track coach. In the mid-‘80s, he decided “the time was right” to head back to the classroom as a student. He attended St. Cloud State University, earning his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership plus his Specialist Degree in 1989. Bob’s administrative duties began as principal in Milan. With the creation of Lac qui Parle Joint Powers School District he was offered the position of Assistant Principal and Curriculum Coordinator. In 1999, he became Lac Qui Parle’s Superintendent and remained in that position until his retirement on November 1, 2007. He also served on the Milan City Council for 16 years and on the Willmar Community College Advisory Board from 1988-1994.
On August 31, 1974 he was united in marriage to Debra Olson and they made their home in Milan until his retirement in 2007 when they moved to their home on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. To that union three children were born: Ryan, Alison and Justin. During his retirement he enjoyed woodworking, hunting, golfing, and traveling. In 2009 he purchased a house in Arizona and spent winters there hiking, golfing and off roading.
When asked about retirement Bob always said “I haven’t been bored one day since I retired”. He built furniture for his children for their weddings and as Christmas gifts. He also built a crib, dresser, sleigh, wagon and rocking horse for his granddaughter Blaire. Bob’s love of traveling took him to places throughout the United States including a driving trip to Alaska. His international travel included Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Australia. He lived life to the fullest and put 100% into everything he did.
Bob is survived by his wife, Deb; three children: Ryan (Amanda) Munsterman of Fort Mitchell, AL, Alison (Derek) Harwood of Shakopee, MN and Justin Munsterman of Eden Prairie, MN; two granddaughters, Blaire and Ava Harwood of Shakopee MN; three brothers: Walter Jr. (Adele), Richard (Karen), Donald (Joann); three sisters: Diane (Dave) Schuerman, Carol (Duane) Dahl, Beverly (Greg) Higdon; brother-in-law Vernon Arnold; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Arnold.