Robert Duane Kjorvestad Sr.

Robert Duane Kjorvestad, Sr., son of the late Tollef and Theresa (Powers) Kjorvestad, was born November 20, 1932 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He left this world to be reunited with his loved ones on Monday, September 30, 2013 in the Dixon Nursing and Rehab Center of Dixon, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 10 months and 10 days. Bob, the next to the youngest of three brothers and two sisters, grew up on a farm in Thompson, North Dakota. After the death of his father, Bob left the farm at the age of 18 and joined the United States Army. He went through basic training at Sheffield Barracks in Hawaii and was immediately sent to fight as an infantry soldier in the Korean War. During his military career Bob received numerous commendations including the Bronze Star. After several tours in Korea, Bob returned home and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado where he met the love of his life, Ruby Burleson. Together they raised five children during a career in the Army that took them to Germany, through two tours in Vietnam and a lifetime of volunteering in school, scouting, and youth activities programs. After returning from his last tour in Vietnam the family moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After retiring in 1972, the family moved to Colorado for a year but then returned to Waynesville, Missouri where Bob would remain the rest of his life. In 1983, Bob lost Ruby to cancer, leaving behind many wonderful memories. In 1984, Bob met Kan Nan Schuller and they became long time companions. Bob lost Kan Nan to cancer in 2010. In 1993 Bob retired from a civil service career at Fort Leonard Wood. He would continue to work part time as a bus driver for the Waynesville School district and pursue his passion for fishing and traveling. Bob loved building things, remodeling, and was willing to take on any project no matter the challenge ahead, always working on home improvement projects and ready to help others with projects and those in need. He enjoyed the peacefulness of fishing and the challenge of gaming; searching the country for the next great fishing hole and the next big win at the tables. He was a member of the American Legion #331 of St. Robert, Missouri and the Francis J. Lynch VFW #3168 of Laquey, Missouri. Bob leaves behind inspiring memories and the testimony of a life well lived. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Judy Barton of Colorado Springs, CO, CPT USAF (Ret) Robert Kjorvestad, Jr. and wife Janice of South Ogden, UT, Don Kjorvestad of Laquey, MO, Kenneth “Pete” Kjorvestad and wife Marisa “Missy” of Springfield, MO and Jim Kjorvestad and wife Cheri of Laquey, MO; one sister: Theresa Jarombek of Grand Forks, ND; eight grandchildren: Joanna Jensen, Robert “Bo” Kjorvestad III, Anthony Kjorvestad, Harley Ruby Faye Kjorvestad, Tyler Kjorvestad, Abbygail Kjorvestad, Ryan Watson and Lyle Watson; two great grandchildren: Emily and Sarah Jensen; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by one sister, Celestia Stallmo and three brothers, Francis “Fritz”, John “Jack”, and Donald Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Emmanuel Okeiyi officiating. Missy Kjorvestad, Bob’s daughter-in-law, sang “Homeward Bound”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Robert Duane Kjorvestad Sr.

November 20, 1932 - September 30, 2013