Obituary
Robert “Bob” Dean Graalum passed away unexpectedly at Sanford hospital in Bismarck, ND on Thursday, February 21, 2013.
Bob was born to Burton and Helen Graalum June 3, 1947 in Fargo, ND. He grew up in Grandin, ND where he lived until his marriage to Linda Daschner on September, 16, 1963. They moved to Fargo, ND where he worked at Firestone and then for the City of Fargo for 33 years until a heart issue forced him into early retirement.
He was an avid softball player, playing fast pitch as a catcher for many years, and eventually umpiring after his playing days ended, including umpiring in national tournaments and being a host couple for the New Zealand team in the 1984 World Softball Junior Championships. He is listed in the Softball Hall of Fame in Jamestown, ND. He also spent his summers coaching his kids, Todd and Lisa, in fast pitch as well.
He spent the last ten years of retirement traveling all around the country including his favorite location, Lake Havasu, AZ with Linda, his wife of 49 years. He also spent much of his time cheering for all of his grandchildren involved in hockey, baseball, dance, football, fast pitch softball and soccer. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and loved to share the gift of gab with everyone.
He was a gentle soul who cared about everyone. He loved to visit, and would spend most of his time striking up conversations with anyone and everyone he came into contact with. He would give you the shirt off his back, and had a loving, calming effect on everyone he met. Everyone at Fargo North athletic events knew Bob, and he was and will always be loved by all. The North side grieves with his loss.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, his two children Todd (Cristy) Graalum, Fargo, ND and Lisa (Joel) Swanson, Fargo, ND; special brother-in-law Stan Trana, Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law Barbara Graalum, Grandin, ND; nephew Scott (Carolyn) Trana, Fargo, ND; niece Stacy (Jeff) Tollefson, Fargo, ND and nephews Jamison and Darin Graalum, Grandin, ND; and 7 grandchildren, Jackson and Michael Graalum; Danielle, Ashley and Benjamin Mjoness; and Sean and Kendall Swanson; all of Fargo, ND.
He is preceded in death by his parents Burton and Helen Graalum, his sister Anita Trana, and his brother Donald Graalum.
Bob's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm
Bob was born to Burton and Helen Graalum June 3, 1947 in Fargo, ND. He grew up in Grandin, ND where he lived until his marriage to Linda Daschner on September, 16, 1963. They moved to Fargo, ND where he worked at Firestone and then for the City of Fargo for 33 years until a heart issue forced him into early retirement.
He was an avid softball player, playing fast pitch as a catcher for many years, and eventually umpiring after his playing days ended, including umpiring in national tournaments and being a host couple for the New Zealand team in the 1984 World Softball Junior Championships. He is listed in the Softball Hall of Fame in Jamestown, ND. He also spent his summers coaching his kids, Todd and Lisa, in fast pitch as well.
He spent the last ten years of retirement traveling all around the country including his favorite location, Lake Havasu, AZ with Linda, his wife of 49 years. He also spent much of his time cheering for all of his grandchildren involved in hockey, baseball, dance, football, fast pitch softball and soccer. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and loved to share the gift of gab with everyone.
He was a gentle soul who cared about everyone. He loved to visit, and would spend most of his time striking up conversations with anyone and everyone he came into contact with. He would give you the shirt off his back, and had a loving, calming effect on everyone he met. Everyone at Fargo North athletic events knew Bob, and he was and will always be loved by all. The North side grieves with his loss.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, his two children Todd (Cristy) Graalum, Fargo, ND and Lisa (Joel) Swanson, Fargo, ND; special brother-in-law Stan Trana, Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law Barbara Graalum, Grandin, ND; nephew Scott (Carolyn) Trana, Fargo, ND; niece Stacy (Jeff) Tollefson, Fargo, ND and nephews Jamison and Darin Graalum, Grandin, ND; and 7 grandchildren, Jackson and Michael Graalum; Danielle, Ashley and Benjamin Mjoness; and Sean and Kendall Swanson; all of Fargo, ND.
He is preceded in death by his parents Burton and Helen Graalum, his sister Anita Trana, and his brother Donald Graalum.
Bob's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm
To send flowers to the family in memory of Robert "Bob" Graalum, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
February
25
Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Prayer Service
February
25
Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home
Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)
Funeral Service
February
26
Hope Lutheran Church - North Campus
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Robert "Bob" Graalum's Guestbook
Visits: 69
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors