Robert Tillman

Robert ?Bob? Gregory Tillman was born November 17th, 1951 and was raised in Milbank, SD by his parents Gerald and Melba (Siede) Tillman? He started his schooling in music but finished with degrees in Chemistry, Nursing and Anesthesia. After searching long and hard, Bob met the love of his life, Nancy Christensen while she was attending UMM. They were married in 1979. They were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters, all of whom Bob believes the sun rises and sets on. They moved to Florida after Bob completed his anesthesia schooling, living in Port St. Lucie for 3 years, then moving on to Cambridge, MN where they lived and raised their family for 24 years. Bob worked at the Cambridge Medical Center. In 2007, he and Nancy set out on an adventure by building a new home in Alexandria, MN from which Bob worked doing locums, traveling to help out in hospitals that were short staffed. It was a wonderful experience to live and work in different states while experiencing what each state had to offer. As an independent contractor, Bob worked at Douglas County Hospital and the last 2 years of work were at Stevens Medical Center in Morris, the location of his very first job back in 1974! Bob had a deep commitment for anesthesia, a sincere camaraderie with the people he worked with, and deep compassion for the patients he cared for. Bob?s love for his career inspired him to continue working all through the duration of his illness! Bob poured his heart and soul; however, into the love and relationships he shared with his wife Nancy and daughters. In 2011, Bob and Nancy purchased a gift shop in Alexandria, MN, and eleven days later he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Although devastated, this strong family love became the bedrock that supported them all through the next difficult stages of life. Quickly Bob discovered the strength and depth of this bond. For the past 3 years endearingly has referred to his wife and daughters as his Wonder Women, as they always stood by his side and loved him so! Bob was an avid sportsman. He had great respect for the land and the animals that were a gift to all. Many friends and family will remember outings to deer camp, turkey hunting, duck hunting season, Lake of the Woods fishing trips, Boundary Water canoe trips, snowmobiling and other outdoor adventures. All with a sense of humor and no sense of direction! Bob died on Monday, March 17, 2014 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN at the age of 62. He is survived by His wife Nancy; daughters, Brooke (Scott) Tillman/Sievers, Stacy (Ted) Anderson, and Lindsey (Andy) Werner; 7 grandsons; his father, Gerald Tillman; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Melba. A funeral service was held on Friday, March 21, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was at Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria. Memorials are preferred to the family to be used for Bob?s Pay It Forward Fund that the family will continue. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net