Robert Moe

On December 8, 1929, Robert (Bob) Lewis Moe was born a record-breaking 13 pound bouncing baby boy to Norwegian parents, Leif and Julia Moe, in Grafton, ND.  Bob was born a fighter and a lifelong storyteller.  Bob’s record birth lasted all of 2 hours when a baby girl weighed in at over 13 pounds. Bob passed away on June 29, 2017, at 87 years of age.  He lost his 17 year battle with cancer, but he won the war because of his strong faith.

Bob spent his childhood skating on the river in Grafton and playing hockey.  He had 2 older brothers, Cecil and Leo, and a younger sister, Lucille.  When the family moved to Cavalier, ND, he played football and basketball.  Bob earned a football scholarship to Concordia College, but played only a year until an injury changed his path in life.  He then worked construction, building churches in North and South Dakota, until joining the Army National Guard, serving in Korea.  He remained a dedicated Veteran throughout his life.

Bob met the love of his life, Shirley Jean Lee from Carpio, ND, while returning by train to camp in Washington.  Bob, a 100% Norwegian, fell in love with Shirley, who was half Swedish! They corresponded weekly during his time in Korea, and were married April 6, 1953.

Bob earned his X-ray and Lab Technician certifications in Elkhart, Indiana.  This was the beginning of a 35 year career in health care and medical management.  He spent 4 years at the Williston hospital and was asked to run the X-Ray and Lab departments at the new Medical Arts Clinic in Minot, ND.  Bob spent 32 years at Medical Arts in many different capacities, retiring in 1984 as clinic manager.  Bob was actively involved in the North Dakota Clinic Managers Association and with ND Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Dedicated to his community, Bob served on the Minot City Council and was a member of the Lions Club, Elks, Masonic Lodge, Minot Gun Club, P. T. A., the Minot Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee, and many other organizations.  He was also very active in State and local politics, serving in several positions with the North Dakota Republican Party.  Bob and Shirley both volunteered vacation time during 3 summers at Camp Sioux, a camp for diabetic children, near Grand Forks, ND.

Bob’s faith was paramount in his life.  He taught Sunday School, Confirmation, and Bethel Bible classes while at Christ Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.  He was active with Metigoshe Ministries and continued to be a faithful steward and servant at churches he belonged to during retirement in Cavalier, ND; Gold Canyon, AZ; and Perham, MN.

Bob and Shirley raised 4 children:  Patricia, Gary, Kathryn, and Karen.  They provided them with a strong Christian foundation and demonstrated daily the value of a strong work ethic.  They supported and encouraged all of their children in their respective interests, ambitions, and endeavors.  Bob was very proud of his family and their accomplishments, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He always had a smile on his face when talking about his family.

Bob and Shirley shared many interests and enjoyed making cross-country trips visiting family.  Special travel highlights were two trips to England and their 50th anniversary train trip from Winnipeg to Vancouver, B.C.  A very special part of Bob’s life was his long friendship with his hunting buddies: Clair Watne, Bert Shomento, and Joe Hennes of Minot, ND. Many happy hours were spent telling tall tales at McArthur Lake near Bottineau, ND.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; his children, Patricia (Dan) Berck; Gary (Erkan) Moe; Kathryn (Stan) Kirlin; and Karen (Kurt) Dennis; his brother, Leo Moe; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

While Bob’s birth weight record may not have lasted but a few hours, he certainly set records for being a wonderful and loving husband and father, a conscientious worker, and civic leader.  But he was defined by his faith and was a devout Christian.  He will be missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 5 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume on Thursday, July 6 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Robert's Memorial Folder