Robert "Bob" Owen King

Robert Owen King: Robert “Bob” King passed away on March 14, 2026. Bob was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania on September 21,1932 to Charlie and Hazel (Folkstad) King. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1954, where he traveled to England and Germany during his service. He later married Cleo Pierce, and together they raised three children, Scott, Mark and Sheri. They also assisted in raising numerous foster teenagers. Bob was a skilled woodworker and outdoorsman. He enjoyed creating and working with his hands, spending time in the woodlands and fishing. Hooking snapping turtles and whitefish netting with his good friend Dale Pierce were also true joys for Bob.

Bob graduated from Park Rapids High School, MN in 1951 and Bemidji State University, MN in 1959. He spent his 32-year career as a high school shop teacher, head wrestling coach and assistant football coach Pelican Rapids, MN. Bob retired from teaching in 1991. Cleo, his wife, passed away in 1991. He was known as a teacher that believed in self-discipline, hard work and doing things the right way; many lessons his students remembered long after his retirement. An oft recited leathercraft saying – “Case, trace, swivel, cut, cam, shade, bevel, vain, seed, mule foot and background like the devil!”

Bob’s personality was independent, not one of a lot of fuss and seemingly a tad gruff on the outside. However, his heart, for family and friends was tender. One of his good friends once remarked, “Bob has a soft heart, with a few miles of gravel road to get to it.”

After Cleo’s passing, Bob married Cheryl (Dillon) on April 1, 1994. Together they took many excursions across the United States and Canada, in their pickup camper. The King siblings, Dixion and Ginger, pursued separate adventures but regularly reunited.

Bob is survived by his wife Cheryl King; his children, Mark (Ann) King and Sheri (Marlo) Meester; daughter in law Lisa King; step-daughters Lori (Joel) Haakenson and Susan (Mike) Deuth: sister Ginger King; sisters in law Jean King, Carolyn (Joel) Nelson, Colette (Daryl) Haugrud, Cathie Thompson, Connie Sjostrom, Christie (Dave) Shulstad; brothers in law Charles (Barb) Larson, Curt (Roxanne) Larson; grandchildren Greg, Brittney, Amanda, Lida, Grace, Claire, Eli, Ryan and Levi; 9 greatgrandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Hazel King; his brother, Dixion, and his son, Scott King; niece Karin King; brothers in law Dale Thompson and Terry Sjostrom

Bob will be remembered for his love of wood craftmanship and the outdoors, his stubborn independence and the deep loyalty he showed to those that knew him well.

Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 1-4 pm at the Pelican Rapids VFW Post 5252. Military Honors will be conducted at 2 pm.

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