Robert Steensland

OBITUARY Robert Gerald Steensland was born on February 17, 1943, the son of R. Ole and Millie (Nelson) Steensland. He grew up in Elbow Lake and was confirmed at Grace Free Church in Elbow Lake, MN. At the age of nine Bob began delivering the Star and Tribune Newspaper in Elbow Lake, MN. He graduated in the Class of 1961 and then served in the United States Army Reserve for two years. Bob married Marlys Odens in Wheaton, MN on January 29, 1965. Together they had two beautiful children Dan and Donna. Bob and his family moved to Alexandria in the fall of 1967 where he began working for ALP and Douglas Machine. Bob started BOMAR Construction in 1971 and built many buildings and homes in the area. He managed Viking Ready Mix for four years and managed hotel jobsites for Tharaldson Development. He was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church in Alexandria and served on the church board for a number of years. He also served on the Lake Beauty Bible Camp board. Bob had a nice collection of construction toys and loved woodworking. One of Bob?s favorite past times was drinking coffee with his coffee shop buddies. Bob was a kind and loving husband and father. He always held a special place in his heart for the neighborhood children and especially his grandson Dylan. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Robert G. Steensland died on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Galeon in Osakis, MN at the age of 66 years. He is survived by his loving wife Marlys Steensland of Alexandria, MN; son Dan (Annette) Steensland of Maple Grove, MN; daughter Donna Carlson and Chris Vallie of Minneapolis, MN; grandson Dylan Steensland of Maple Grove, MN; grand dogs Dozer, Chewy, and Paco; honorary children Liz and Jeff Greene of Alexandria; Mary, Missy and Darla; honorary grandchildren Jared, Felicia, and Dylan Greene of Alexandria; brother Bob Soule of Oregon; sister Judy Soule of Oregon; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Millie Steensland; brother Rick Steensland; brother-in-law Ron Odens. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Alexandria with the Reverend John LaVahn and Rol Boyce officiating. Mertice Brueske was the organist and Bert Englund played special music. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery with the Alexandria American Legion Post #87 and the VFW Post#936 according Military Rites. Honorary pallbearers were Dave Odens, Curt Odens, Jerry Odens, Ron Bjurlin, George Bender, and Ron Wrolson. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.