Robert "Bob" Dassow

Robert "Bob" Herman Dassow passed away peacefully on October 5, 2023, at the age of 97. He was surrounded by his family at Norris Square, a Presbyterian Homes & Services senior living community in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

Bob was born on August 3, 1926, in Vesper, Wisconsin, to Elmer and Clara Dassow. He was the second of three sons. Edgar was his older brother and Dale was his younger brother. He grew up helping his parents run the family grocery and feed store. In 1945, Bob joined the Navy and proudly served aboard an aircraft tender in the Philippines, maintaining aircraft. He also served as a tail gunner in the Martin PBM Mariner aircraft.

After his military service, Bob returned to Vesper and married the love of his life, Lucille "Lucy" Lefeber, on September 12, 1953. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Bob and Lucy had three children: Daniel, Linda, and John.

In 1952, Bob began his career as an aircraft mechanic with Wisconsin Central Airlines. In December 1952 the airline was renamed North Central Airlines and headquarters moved to Bloomington, Minnesota. The family followed the airlines and resided for a time in Bloomington and Minneapolis before settling in Cottage Grove in 1959. By the time North Central Airlines merged with Southern Airways to become Republic Airlines, Bob had been promoted to aircraft engineer. The family moved to Long Beach, California, from 1966 to 1968, when Bob supervised the delivery of DC-9 aircraft. They then moved back to Cottage Grove. Bob retired in 1985 shortly after Northwest Airlines purchased Republic Airlines.

Bob was a dedicated member of the Cottage Grove Fire Department, where he volunteered as a firefighter who drove the hook and ladder truck and served as an ambulance driver. He also volunteered as the fire marshal for the car races during the 1974 Minnesota State Fair. Bob, with Lucy, was a member of the Church of St. Thomas Aquinas where he served as an usher for many years. As a retiree, he regularly volunteered at the Dorothy Day Center, providing nourishment as well as kind attention and conversation to those being served.

Bob was a man of many interests. He enjoyed assembling model airplanes, watching car racing, carpentry, golf, fishing, hunting, and listening to country western music. He was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Bob was a kind and generous man who was always willing to help others. He had skilled hands and a gentle sense of humor. He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lucille; his brother, Dale (Vernell) Dassow; his children, Daniel (Barb) Dassow, Linda (David Hoffman) Fink, and John (Avni Pandya) Dassow; his grandchildren, Megan Dassow, Lauren Dassow, Nicole (Rob) Garner, and Robert (Christina) Driscoll; and his great-grandchildren, Garrett (Kate Daniels) Strange, Brooke (Nikhil) Sharma, Torrin Strange, Finn Driscoll, Nora Driscoll, Emma Driscoll, and Nate Driscoll.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Dassow and Clara Freund; step-mother, Irene Dassow; his brother, Edgar Dassow and sister-in-law, Florence; and his son-in-law Donald Fink.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 at Kok Funeral Home 7676 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a one-hour visitation prior to service.

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