Obituary for Robert "Bob" Skogberg

Robert Owen Skogberg was born on February 26, 1942, to Lester and Eleanor Skogberg in rural Sacred Heart Minnesota, the third of 5 children delivered by the family doctor, Dr. Dordal, on the family farm.

From a young age “Bob” and older brother John were breaking and training two-year-old colts and fillies. The family had memberships in the Amigo Riders Saddle Club. His horse and calf riding experience led to Bob being the all-around cowboy at the Minnesota High School Rodeo in 1960, at the Mooney Arena west of Granite Falls. Bob continued riding bareback horses and bulls at amateur and professional rodeos until into his thirties. He was the first bull rider to make a qualified ride on Rodeo Incorporated’s “Reverend Mr. Black” at a rodeo in Louisville, Kentucky. Ron Kramer told Bob’s niece that “one summer Bob drew Reverend Mr Black three times and had qualified rides each time .”

Bob served in the US Army as a medic, stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado. His medic experience served him well as a rodeo cowboy, as he patched up cowboys with contusions and abrasions.

After helping his father on the farm for several years, Bob moved to the twin cities area and worked as a dock worker for several trucking companies, including Consolidated Freightways. At about 5’6” tall, weighing about 130 lbs., he could outwork several younger, much larger dock workers. Although small in stature, he was always known for his strength. While in high school playing football, a standout running back in the conference who later played at the University of Minnesota said the hardest he remembered being hit was the combination of two 130-pound Sacred Heart Vikings - Bob Skogberg and Jerry Romness.

Bob married the love of his life, Patricia Featherston on May 29,1974. Pat passed away in 2014. Bob continued to live in his home until shortly before he passed away. Bob was a man of few words, but had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed! Those who lived close by knew him as the friendly neighbor who kept a beautiful yard and who could always be counted on to help when asked.

Bob was also a beloved brother and uncle who enjoyed sharing his sense of humor and wit with family members. When Bob answered phone calls from relatives, his response was often “Hey, good lookin!” and he was known to warn others to not mess up his hair – a short, military-style cut. His nieces and nephews enjoyed finding funny t-shirts for Uncle Bob to wear, knowing he would be greeted with chuckles by those who read shirts reading “Funcle” or “Bob – the man, the myth, the legend.” During family reunions Bob enjoyed spending time outside, watching the younger kids play and engaging in storytelling and hugs. In recent years, he offered lots of “I love yous” at the end of phone calls or visits.

He is survived by his two sons, Michael (Jessica) Skogberg of Alexandria, MN and Scott (Tammy) Skogberg of New Ulm, MN; 8 wonderful grandchildren, Cody, Chase, Clarissa (Troy), Kendra, James (Mary), Jordan (Haleigh), Cameron and Dakotah; as well as 5 great grandchildren, Benjamin, Aizley, Ryker, Ayden and Zofia; siblings, Donna (Bill) Dirnberger, John (Genny) Skogberg, Elizabeth (Steve) Emary, and David (Diana) Skogberg; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service 3PM Friday, July 7, 2023 at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials preferred to the Sacred Heart Historical Society or the Minnesota High School Rodeo Association or MNHSRA and mailed to: 1394 Newcomb Ave NW, Cokato, MN 55321. Please include who its from and that it is in honor of Robert.