Robert Detlaff , 89, Minot, formerly of Glenburn, died Sunday, April 2, 2017, in a Minot healthcare facility surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Robert was born on the family farm in Tatman Township of Ward County, near Glenburn, ND on February 13, 1928, the eldest son of Arnold and Margaret (Broderson) Detlaff. He was baptized and confirmed at Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church that his grandfather and father along with their neighbors built. During his youth, Robert stayed in Minot with his grandparents so he could attend Minot High School. He assisted his family with the operation of their dairy farm alongside his brother Ralph.

Robert was united in marriage to Clara Belle Smith October 13, 1949 at Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church. They made their home on the Detlaff family farm, where Robert built a new home for his bride. This union was blessed with seven children, which outgrew their home and its addition that was bigger than the original home. The operation of the dairy ceased following a fire in 1969 that claimed the milking barn, but Robert continued his dry land farming operation until his retirement in the 1980's.

Robert served his community and church in many ways. He was a member of Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and held a seat on the ND District Missouri Synod Board. He was active in the Walther League, a board member for Camp of the Cross, bowled on the church bowling team and sang in a quartet and church choir. He was President of the Minot Elevator Board when they constructed the new elevator, raced go-karts and maintained a membership in the C.B. Radio Club.

Retirement opened doors to traveling the United States for Clara and Robert. They completed the building of 15 churches in their work for Laborers for Christ. They purchased an airstream travel trailer to assist them in their travels and activities in the airstream community throughout the US and even to Europe for six months with the group. They even ventured to Sierra Leone in Africa to visit their son, Arnold, while he was there in the Peace Corps. In the course of traveling the globe, Robert and Clara were attracted to Mission, Texas with their airstream until purchasing a permanent property. They spent summers in North Dakota and winters in Texas for many years. Together, they developed a love for bird watching during their travels with visits to South America and Europe to engage their hobby.

Clara passed away December 24, 2001 in Minot. Robert continued to travel with the Airstream group for a couple more years and maintained his relationship with the club for outings in North Dakota during his later years.

Robert was united in marriage to Shirley (Zuzulin) Stach July 12, 2003. They made their home in Minot and enjoyed traveling around the country to visit their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives. Robert entered Emerald Court in March 2011 and transferred to Minot Health & Rehab in December 2012.

His surviving family includes his loving wife, Shirley, Minot, children, Winona Detlaff, Grafton, ND, Arnold (Mary) Detlaff, Glenburn, ND, Kevin Detlaff, Monahans, TX, Colleen (Arl) Mann, Morton, TX, Brent (Patti) Detlaff, Minot, ND, Bob (Sarah) Detlaff, Eau Claire, WI and Alicia (Jesus) Alaniz, Mission, TX; stepchildren, Philip (Annette) Stach, Minot, Nancy (Steve) Block, Minot, Susan Stach, Minot, Karen (Rich) Berg, Minot and Mary Beth (Jeff) Yakle, Stilwell, KS; 12 grandchildren, Simion Detlaff, Jeneba Detlaff, Mamie Detlaff, Francis (Chenzom) Detlaff, Paul (Danika) Detlaff, Kimberli (Cody) Detlaff Felts, Angela Detlaff, Marcus Detlaff and Meghan Detlaff, Rachel Detlaff, David Detlaff and Hannah Detlaff; 9 step-grandchildren, Alicia Stach, Jacob Stach, Emmalee Stach, Nichole (Chad) Oswalt, Josh (Kaela) Block, Tyler (Salina) Berg, Derek Yakle, Trenton Yakle and Hunter Yakle; 4 great-grandchildren, Dezrie Detlaff, Daniel Detlaff, Jadyn Detlaff and Tashi Detlaff; 8 step-great grandchildren, Heather, Matthew, Brayden, Dylan and Kamdyn Oswalt, Audrina and Ava Block and Maleah Berg; sister, Dorene Richert, New Haven, IN; sister-in-law, Ruth Detlaff, Glenburn, ND; brother-in-law, Ray Richert, Hoffman, IL along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friend and caregiver, Julie Julson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Clara Belle, sister, Norma Richert and brother, Ralph Detlaff.

Celebration of Life for Robert Detlaff: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, April 7, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers, please consider sending a memorial to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the ND Alzheimer's Association or to an organization of your choosing.