Robert "Bob" LeRoy Rostad

Robert (Bob) LeRoy Rostad January 17, 1943 – September 9, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Robert LeRoy Rostad, 81, rural Colfax, ND, on September 9, 2024, at Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 5-7pm followed by a 7pm prayer service at Richland Lutheran Church (6143 172nd Ave SE, rural Walcott, ND). Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 10-11am, with a funeral service at 11am. Burial will follow in the Richland Lutheran Cemetery, including military rites provided by the Galchutt American Legion, the Galchutt Sons of the American Legion, and the Abercrombie American Legion. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND. The services will be live-streamed and available to view at www.vertinmunson.com.

On January 17, 1943, Robert was born at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, MN to Ingman Rostad and Mildred (Wold) Rostad, the fourth of five children. He was grateful to have always lived in his beloved family home, built by his grandfather. Robert graduated from Colfax High School in 1960, joined the U.S. Navy, and completed a four-year enlistment. He then served in the Naval Reserve, retiring at the second-highest enlisted rank of Senior Chief Quartermaster (E-8), after over 30 years of dedicated military service. Robert was selected as Sailor of the Year in 1973 and went on to be the senior enlisted member at the Fargo Navy Reserve Center for several years, serving as the Command Senior Chief. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and also a member of the Galchutt American Legion for 56 years, participating in numerous Memorial Day and funeral color guards. 

Following his naval enlistment, Robert farmed and later worked as a crop adjuster for Great American Insurance Company. He was a committed and active member of the Richland County Water Resource District for 26 years. Robert served as chair and vice-chair of the board for a combined 15 years and on several other water-related boards in North Dakota. He was awarded the SteamBoat Award by the Red River Joint Water Resource District in 2019. Because of his steadfast love for farming and agriculture, he kept a close watch on the land, crops, and especially how the water was flowing.

Robert’s loyalty to and love for his family, country, home, and Norwegian heritage was always present in his faith-filled life. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend as well as a respected community member. Devoted to family, Robert was a caregiver to many relatives and enjoyed being a part of the lives of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Robert was baptized and confirmed at Richland Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong, active member. His thoughtful contributions to the leadership and cemetery boards, dedication as head usher, service as waiter at the annual lutefisk supper, and wisdom as chair of the building committee for the 2013 addition were all deeply appreciated by his church community. As a testament to his honorable character, he was asked to be the baptismal sponsor for ten children.

Robert was proud to be Norwegian-American, often speaking the language his parents taught him, enjoying many events at the Sons of Norway, and valuing the continued relationships with his cousins in Norway, who he visited many times. His knowledge and fluency made him a wonderful tour guide and translator on his last trip to Norway with his sister Marlene and brother-in-law Jim in 2013. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and other destinations abroad, including visits to his sister Karen and her family in Germany and many deployments overseas to wherever his naval orders steered him. 

Robert shared his kind nature, helping hands, and generosity with family, friends and neighbors. In 1977, he and his friends, Charles and Karen (Wiltse) Moe, began building a cabin on McDonald Lake with the help of others including Neil Wiltse, Sr. and Roger Moe. Robert later shared the lake home with his sister Karen and brother-in-law Duane. The cabin was a fun gathering place for his family, providing many fond memories of playing cards, fishing, and swimming. Robert was a skilled whist, pinochle, and cribbage player, and would waltz or polka any chance he got (if he could find someone who could keep up with him spinning around the dance floor). A true gentleman, Robert’s kindness shone throughout his life and was noted by many who met him, including the nursing staff who cared for him during his last days.

He is survived by Richard Hoverson and Richard’s family; sister Marlene (Jim) Aas and niece Carol Jo (Dennis) Stevenson; sister-in-law Sharon (Myron) Rostad and nieces Sara (Michael) Aigner and Nicole (Todd) Rostad Holdman; sister-in-law Loria (Rodney) Rostad and niece and nephew Lori (Brad) Anderson and Randy (Chris) Rostad; and niece and nephew Kim (Jeff) Swanson and Jeff Kroseman (Karen’s children); sister-in-law Chris (Duane) Havlik Kroseman; foreign exchange student Jens (Lynn) Wagener; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great-nephews, and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Ingman and Mildred; brothers Myron and Rodney; sister Karen (Duane) Kroseman; nephew Mike Trom (Marlene’s son); special uncle and aunt Ingvald and Helen Wold; and brother-in-law Duane Kroseman.

The family extends our deepest gratitude to Richard for the extraordinary care he provided to Robert, which allowed him to live on the “home place” his whole life. Memorials are preferred to the Richland Lutheran Cemetery Fund, Richland Lutheran Church Building Fund, Richland Lutheran Education Fund, or Galchutt American Legion.