Robert Leroy Walquist Sr.

Robert "Bob" L. Walquist Sr., age 77, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 12, at the St. Cloud Hospital from heart disease.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  A private interment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Robert "Bob" Leroy Walquist Sr. was born on December 7, 1946, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Archie and Elsie (Frisk) Walquist.  He grew up and received his education in New London.  Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1965-1967.  On August 5, 1966, he married Norma Jean Hennessy.  They made their home in Southern California prior to returning to Willmar.  He was employed as a route salesman by the Willmar Food Supply Company later Old Dutch Food Inc.  

Bob was an active member of the Willmar American Legion Post #167 where he served as a Past Commander and 7th District Historian.  He served on the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad for over 20 years and was a scoring official at the Willmar Speedway (KRA) for many years.  

Bob enjoyed visiting the area casinos, going for country drives, stopping by LuLu Beans for coffee, attending his children and grandchildren's school activities and sporting events, fishing and animals (especially dogs).  Bob's fun, loving, and kindhearted personality will be missed by many.

He is survived by his two sons, Robert Jr. (and Colleen) Walquist of Sacramento, CA., and Cory (and Erin) Walquist of Maple Grove; six grandchildren, Casey (and Josef), Janey (and Christian), Carla, Julia, Sydney and Sam; and one great granddaughter, Greta.  Also surviving are three sisters, Alice (and Bob) DeGrote, Helen Peterson and Judie Braeger, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma in 2014; his parents; two siblings, Leonard and Dorothy; and a nephew, Alan.