Robert "Uncle Bob" Grussendorf

Robert L. “Uncle Bob” Grussendorf, 83, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, at Majestic Pines in Grand Rapids, MN.

Bob was born in Litchfield, MN, to LeRoy and Vivian Grussendorf. He was the only boy among five sisters, a role that undoubtedly helped shape his unique sense of humor and his lifelong devotion to family.

Bob graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and began his career teaching Industrial Arts. In 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam, serving as an Army Specialist Five with the 21st Signal Group. During his tour, Bob was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star.

Upon returning home, Bob began a 30-year career with Blandin Wood Products Company, where he worked as a Finishing Lead Man until his retirement.

Bob was an active member of the National Association for Amateur Radio and the Northern Lakes Amateur Radio Club. He generously shared his skills and knowledge while assisting with search and rescue operations, community and weather events, and storm watching. He was also an active member of several hunting and fishing organizations, including the Ruffed Grouse Society, Ducks Unlimited, Geese Unlimited and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

Above all, Bob loved spending time with his family. He was the very best uncle, known for his dry sense of humor, his remarkable ability to fix or create just about anything, and his willingness to teach. He spent countless days teaching his nieces and nephews how to build, fix, invent, hunt, and fish—and, occasionally, how to throw a tomato with spot-on accuracy. His knowledge, patience, humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand will be deeply missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Vivian; his aunt, Evelyn Pearson; sisters, Carol Schuschke, Joan DeWitt, and Mary Sandstrom; brother-in-law, David Johnson; and nieces, Wendy MacDowell and Tracy MacDowell.

He is survived by his sisters, Gail Johnson and Laurie (Paul) Millage; brother-in-law David Sandstrom; nieces, Becky DeWitt, Julie Sandstrom, and Jennifer (Bob) Hardenstein; nephews, Scott (Tracie) MacDowell, Dale (Kristine) DeWitt, Eric Johnson, Lang Johnson, Dean Sandstrom (Lori Richard), and Ken Martin; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bob leaves behind a family who will remember him with love, laughter, and gratitude for all the things he taught them—and for all the ways he made life a little more interesting.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are with Libbey Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.libbeyfuneralhome.com.