Robert E." Bob" Grahn, 67, Minot, passed away into the peace of our Lord, Sunday, January 10, 2010 at his home.

Bob was born January 30, 1942 at Wimbledon, ND, the son of Otto and Florence (Sorem) Grahn. He was raised and educated at Wimbledon, graduating from high school there. While he always tried to tell his children about walking to school in three feet of snow - uphill both ways - we knew better, since he lived right across the street! He was known as a hard worker even as a child, mowing lawns, redeeming pop cans, and working at his father's hardware store. He was always on the lookout to make a dime or two. He had numerous friends whom he stayed in contact with over the years, and looked forward to the 5 year all-school reunions where he could catch up with everyone.

Bob worked numerous jobs as a teenager, from flagging for crop-dusters, to picking rocks on a farm. He know how to relax too, with many summer days spent fishing at Spiritwood Lake. He started working for the Great Northern Railroad at the age of 19, and retired with BNSF after 41 years as a conductor and member of the United Transportation Union. It was a hard job at times with calls coming at all hours, but it was a good job and helped him do the one thing that mattered most to him, taking care of his family.

Bob met the love of his life one night at a restaurant, Carol Jones who actually going steady with his cousin. One look was all it took, and she didn't want anything to do with Bob! Of course she came to her senses a short while later and accepted his offer of a date. The rest was 37 years of history. They were married in Jamestown, ND on February 5, 1966 and moved to Minot after a wonderful honeymoon in Seattle. Carol's sister got the brother she had always wanted in "Squirrel" .

They worked hard and played hard those first years. It wasn't until 1973, when they decided to settle down and start a family. Kristen came first, followed by Jason in 1976. A wonderful addition to the family came in 1991, with DJ, who may not have been blood, but was a son to him just the same. Those years were busy, what with school activities, sports, gardening, fishing, hunting and camping. He always looked forward to a day spent with his family doing something outdoors. He graciously passed his knowledge and love of the outdoors on to his family.

Life changed for Bob in 2003, with the loss of his beloved Carol to cancer. While things were never the same, he adjusted and surrounded himself with the things he loved - family, friends, and a good game of poker. It was his friends' round the table who got him through those tough times. For that we are grateful. His last few months were difficult, with the cancer coming quickly on the heels of other illnesses. He carried on in his usual stoic manner, never letting on how much he really hurt, until the very end. He died in the care of his family, at home where he was most comfortable. He will be forever missed.

He left behind to tend to his garden here on earth: daughter, Kristen and son-in-law, Rick Getzlaff, with grandchildren, Shandra, Wayne, Gwen and Hope of Minot, ND; son, Jason Grahn, of Minot, ND, son, DJ Johnson, with grandchildren, Harmony and Hunter, of New Rockford, ND ; sister-in-law, Darla and brother-in-law, Frank Lenzmeier of West Fargo, ND; niece, Jerica (Joey) Coleman, with great-nephews, Logan and Wyatt, of West Fargo; numerous Cousins.

Bob was greeted in heaven by his beloved wife, Carol, parents, brother, Duane and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Glorine and Jim Jones.

Funeral service: Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 11:00a.m. in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Wednesday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.