Robert "Bob" Reff, 82, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short battle with ALS.

Bob lived a full life and got a lot of things right. He served his country in Vietnam, earned a degree in electrical engineering from NDSU, built a successful telecommunications business, spent most of his life in Fargo, and enjoyed retirement between Lake Lida, Minnesota and Port Charlotte, Florida. But if you asked Bob what mattered most, it wouldn't have been any of those things. It was his family, his friends, and the memories they made together along the way.

He tackled life with equal parts preparation, common sense, and humor. Whether packing a vehicle for a family camping trip, building something with his own hands, playing golf, fixing what others might replace, or sharing one of his famous stories, he made ordinary moments memorable. He taught those around him the value of keeping your word, working hard, showing up on time, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Family was always at the center of Bob's life. Together, he and his wife built a life and home that family and friends naturally gathered around. Many of the best days were spent camping, enjoying the lake, soaking up the Florida sunshine, or sitting on the dock solving the world's problems one conversation at a time.

Bob also treasured the friendships he built over the years through the bowling group and card club. Whether camping, exploring new places, getting into a little mischief or simply recounting stories and laughs with lifelong friends, he believed life's best moments were meant to be shared.

He had the skill to make people feel welcomed, cared for, and right at home. We will remember his steady presence, humility, quick wit, practical wisdom and big heart. Even during the last difficult months of battling ALS, his thoughts were with the people he loved rather than himself.

Bob's legacy isn't found in titles or accomplishments. It's found in the beliefs he passed on, the traditions he created, the relationships he nurtured, and the family he and his wife built together. His are the kind of footprints that remain long after a person is gone.

He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with gratitude, laughter, and love.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Minnetta and Russell Reff; his brothers, Russell Reff and Jim Reff; and his sister, Carol Beilke.

He is survived by Diane, his wife of 57 years; their daughters, Kim (Pete) Wittmers, Robynn (Ron) Steffen, and Kari (Mike) Wild; nine grandchildren, Lake, Casey, Kine, Burke, Grace, Earth, Matt, Keyle, and Sonni; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, North Dakota. A reception will follow burial for family and friends to gather, swap stories, and celebrate Bob's life the way he would have liked it, with laughter, good company, and perhaps a Windsor Cloudy, affectionally known as "A Bobber."