Robert “Bob” Bergmann 71, of Shakopee, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, December 24th. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 7th at Friendship Church in Shakopee, starting at 11:00 AM with visitation 9:30-11:00 AM.
Bob was born March 29th, 1950 to parents Vernon and Vivian Bergmann. He was the eighth of nine children. Growing up in such a large family is probably where he developed his talent for goofing around and having fun. Bob attended Central High School in Norwood Young America where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. When he wasn’t playing sports, he was hunting with his brothers and Herdy, an admired mentor. Bob’s passion for the outdoors definitively started on the shores of Lake Manuella where his parents had a cabin. Bob enjoyed family, fun and long hours of fishing, sharing that love of fishing with others.
After high school, Bob began a career in law enforcement. He was the first police officer to have a canine partner in Carver County, Minnesota. Bob had a deep love and appreciation for dogs, many of which were not only his working partners, but best friends. Whether he was fishing or working on projects, his buddies were always by his side. Bob continued his law enforcement career for 28 years and was active in many large high-profile investigations, and even spent some time working with the BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension). Bob was passionate about helping others and had a long and successful career doing what he loved.
Bob married Cheryl Glander in 1970 and they were blessed with two wonderful children.
On March 25th, 1983, Bob married Marilyn Deutsch. Bob and Marilyn eventually retired to Island Lake in northern Minnesota near Duluth. Bob and Marilyn found a piece of undeveloped lake front property, and with their vision and Bob’s skills, developed it into an idyllic log home sanctuary where many guests were warmly welcomed. Not only was his home a source of pride for Bob, but for many, it was a favorite place to visit. Bob and Marilyn’s calendar was filled with countless family and friends visiting and enjoying weekend stays. Whether Bob was
guiding those guests around Island Lake in his fishing boat, hunting or enjoying long walks with Marilyn and their dogs, Max and Duke, Bob loved his life and time while living at Island Lake.
Bob’s grandchildren will forever remember Christmas with Grandpa, having fun on his enormous sledding hills and experiencing the magic of whatever his new invention was. Precious memories have been created when Bob combined his enthusiasm for entertaining others with his woodworking skills fueled by his creative mind. Bob spent long hours in his workshop. He loved making things for others. It would be really hard to find any friends or family members that don’t have something special that Bob made for them. Giving the things he made away gave him great joy.
Bob was loved greatly by his wife Marilyn; children Matthew (Nikki) Bergmann, Jennifer (Phillip) Bernstein; grandchildren Corey, Cali, Mark, Audrey, Jordyn (Cody) and Addison; siblings Rosalie Heiland, John (Karen) Bergmann, Judy Grindall, Sandy Elling, Michael (Kathy) Bergmann, Mary (Ed) Vegter, Margaret (Gerry) Tellers; brother and sisters-in-law Milt (Lois) Deutsch, Joan (Duane) Farkas, Duane (Karrie) Deutsch, Carmen (Richard) Glynn. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Vivian Bergmann; brother Jim; sister-in-law Penny; brothers-in-law Ted Grindall, Richard Elling and Bob Heiland.
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Jim and Chris Schwingler
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. People come and go in our lives but Bob has a treasured spot in our hearts that we will never forget . God’s peace to you Marilyn & Matt & Jenny’s families.
Bob Suomela
Marilyn and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace and love. God bless.
Bob Suomela
Christian Dobratz
Marilyn and Family,
My sympathies and condolences on Bobs passing. He made a huge impact in the lives of many and will missed forever. May the good memories and times sustain and uplift you in those difficult times. Gods blessings to you all at this time.
Cathy Nyen
What a beautiful tribute. We also enjoyed time at the lake and were able to see Bob’s wonderful creations. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our love,
Jon and Cathy
Cyndi & Rick
Our greatest gift was getting to know Bob & Marilyn through Waters of Life Church. We will treasure every memory of bible studies, snowmobiling adventures & fellowship made in his presence. Prayers to Marilyn & all his family.
Elaine Duffy
What a kind and loving man Bob was. I enjoyed reading about his life so much as we had only been friends for a short time. And in that time I was gifted with a beautiful, handmade patio table and several others “assists” from my talented neighbor, Bob. Would’ve loved to spend more time getting to know him. The love between him and Marilyn was so obvious and lovely to witness. Rest in peace my friend.
Denise
Great tribute! Sympathies to you and your family, Jenny! He sounds like a wonderful dad and grandpa!!
Lori olafson Uter
Marilyn,
I’ve been thinking of you everyday and I am sending lots of love and hugs to you.
My deepest sympathy, Lori olafson Uter
Buskers
Bob ( known as Bob the Builder) was a gift to his neighbors on Island Lake. He built a beautiful one of a kind gazebo for us. Cut paths for the “girls” to walk. Made our roads better. We particularly loved his dry sense of humor. Thanks for sharing him with us Marilyn Lots of love Jim and Lin Busker
Jayne
What a great loss he was an awesome person willing to help anyone. Greatly missed!
Bob VanDenBroeke
Marilyn & Family,
My condolences. Bob was a wonderful devoted public servant and friend.
Michele & Scott Manitz
Bob will be truly missed! He had a smile that will never be forgotten. We are grateful for our many years of friendship , many weekends at Island Lake and then visits to Red Wing! You will never be forgotten Bob!
God bless you
Jackie Vogt
Marilyn, thinking of you, my dear friend. Praying for peace for you and your family during this difficult time.
Jon and Julz Schwingler
Marilyn and family, so truly sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers and condolences to the family.
Julie Olson
Marilyn and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We all have fond memories of him (and you!) when we lived across the street from you two!
Heartfelt Condolences,
Rick & Julie Olson
Ron & Cindy Grass
It is with a heavy heart that we send this message. Bob was the most mild manner, fun loving guy. He will truly be missed. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten