Robert F. Risner

Robert “Bob” Francis Risner, 88, died on Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Alexandria.

He was born on March 16, 1925, in rural Watkins (near Clear Lake, MN) to Milton Nathaniel Risner and Ruth Ann Ankeny.

His first job was at the Forest City Creamery, he then enlisted in the Army in 1943, serving until 1946. Bob served during WWII where he saw much combat receiving the Good Conduct Medal along with the Battle Star Medal for the Battle occurring by the Rhine River. Bob’s tank battalion helped to liberate France they also spent time in Belgium, Holland, Austria, and Germany. On November 23, 1944, Robert’s tank battalion discovered and liberated the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp near Strasbourg, France. This was the first concentration camp liberated by American Allies in Western Europe.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob married Pearl Olga Emma Holtz in 1946. Bob worked as a mechanic at Nelson Motors in Dassel, MN. He then worked for the Meeker County Highway Department as maintenance and mechanic/welder. He started his own mechanic business in Forest City, providing a vital service to farmers and the public with reputable work and a fair price.

Bob and Pearl purchased a resort on Otter Tail Lake, MN. Bob also worked for the Battle Lake School District in maintenance. They sold the resort when Bob went to work for Otter Tail Power, where he worked for eleven years, retiring in 1987. He then moved near Wendell, where he was a mechanic and farmed with his daughter and son-in-law.

Bob was an entrepreneur in his own right, learning from those before him. His schooling was his life, a life of learning and a desire to be self-sufficient. His accomplishments include welding, electrical, plumbing, cement work and carpentry. He also played guitar with his wife and others in a Country & Western band called “The Cattle Callers”. They played in and around the Forest City, Watkins and Cold Spring, MN areas.

Bob and Pearl had four children who were raised in Forest City: Sally (Bill) Neal of Hutchinson, David (Jo) Risner of Glencoe, Kevin (Mary) Risner of Alexandria and Robyn Foss of Alexandria.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Pearl; his parents, Milton and Ruth Risner; brothers, Harry, Lawrence (Bucky), Lee and Stan (who died a hero in the Korean War); sisters, Beulah and Helen.

He is survived by his four children; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, as well as many other family members and friends. Bob will be missed by all.

Visitation two hours prior to the service at the funeral home
Service 1 pm Wednesday at Olson Funeral Home Chapel
Officiant David Risner
Interment Rock Prairie Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake
Funeral Home Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls