Robert George Elstad, age 75, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at Solvay Hospice House after a brave battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born June 13, 1943 in Duluth, MN to Raymond and Myrtle (Anderson) Elstad.
Bob worked for the family business (Elstad Fuel) in his younger years and in 1967 purchased Diamond Drilling and Supply which he successfully operated for over 40 years. He was proud to work alongside his son Ren, brother Richard and other family members. His family brought the greatest happiness into his life. He was a longtime member of Masonic Lodge, AAD Shrine, Jack Meade Gun Club, former board member of Western Bank, and founding member of STAFDA - Specialty Tools and Fastener Distributors Association. He loved everything about the outdoors - hunting, trap shooting, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, camping and golfing. Bob also enjoyed travel adventures with family and friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale (Dude); and grandson, Cooper McKinnon.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela; son, Ren (Sue) Elstad; daughters, Robin (Tony) McKinnon and Jodi Elstad (Jeff Michalski); stepchildren, Anne (Steve) Meyer and Jamie (Joe) Henry; grandchildren, Kaylie (Steve) Pilla, Alex (Kristi) Autio, Connor McKinnon, Devin McKinnon, Dana (Jon) McLaren, Max Elstad, Zach (Nicole) Autio, Phil (Trista) Meyer, Nolan Meyer, Ava Meyer and Carter Henry; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Madison Autio, Lucia Pilla, and Penelope Meyer; sisters, Marilyn Stickles, Jan Elstad, and Judy (Mike) Clark and brother, Richard (Bev) Elstad; also his faithful hunting dog, Rugy.
The family would like to thank the staff at BLC, Diamond Willow, and Solvay Hospice House for the compassionate care.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service on Friday, January 25, 2019 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior Street, Duluth. Memorials are preferred to Solvay Hospice House or the charity of your choice. Please leave a memory of Bob or words of support for his family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com