Robert J. "Bob" DeChandt, 65, rural Minot, died Saturday, October 4, 2008 in a Minot Hospital.

Bob was born February 7, 1943 at Mandan, North Dakota, the son of Anthony "Tony" and Marion (Smith) DeChandt. He was raised and educated at Mandan and during his younger years employed by Keller Fire Extinguishers of Bismarck.

Bob was united in marriage to Veronica Wolkerstorfer on September 16, 1969 at Bismarck. They made their home in Bismarck for several years, where he was employed with K&D Towing service. They moved to Center in 1972, where he worked for the Oliver County Sheriff's department. They moved to Steele in 1973, where he served as a chief of Police. In 1978, they moved to Minot, where he went to work for the Ward County Sheriff's department until 1985, when he became self-employed as owner and operator of Bob's Towing Service and Exhaust Pros.

Bob was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, flying his Cessna 150 & 172, along with fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.

Bob's loving family includes: wife thirty-nine years, Veronica; children, Michelle (Troy) Jezeski, Bismarck, Bobby (Jody) DeChandt, Minot, Mary (James) Clapper, Anchorage, AK and Nikki (Dan) Bruce, Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Alecsis Jezeski, Mark and Jacob DeChandt and Kathryn Clapper; brothers, Tony "Dean" (Darlene) DeChandt, Pierre, SD, Tom (Sylvia) DeChandt, SanDiego, CA and sister, Fran (Gordon) McGregor, Sparks, NV; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Thomas and infant sister, Marion.

Mass of Christian Burial : Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in St John's Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00-7:00p.m in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, with the Vigil Prayer service there on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.