Robert "Bob" Karst

Robert “Bob” Edward Karst, 80, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at PioneerCare, under the care of Lakeland Hospice.

Bob was born on July 4, 1935, in Fergus Falls, the son of Edward and Adeline (Fischer) Karst. He grew up in Fergus Falls and began working at Hintgen-Karst Electric at an early age. By the time he was 18 he was working as an electrician. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School and within a year received his Master Electrician license. He married Janice (LaValley) Ramsey and to this union 6 children were born. He continued to work as co-owner of Hintgen-Karst Electric until 1981.

In 1982 Robert married Ruthe (Larson) Kube at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls. They moved to Oakland, CA, where he worked for Con Agra for a year and then to Tampa, FL, where he directed the electrical remodel of a flour mill. Upon completion of the flour mill, Bob and Ruthe retired to Tucson, AZ, where he worked with an engineering firm and later US West. He amazed everyone with the many electrical additions he made to their home in Tucson. By himself he also built a 100 foot rock wall to surround their home, which he was very proud of. They lived in Arizona for 29 years and in January of 2011 they moved back to Fergus Falls to be closer to family and reunite with friends.

Bob was a member of many organizations including the Elks, Shriners, West Otter Tail County Fair Board, the Fergus Falls Fire Department for 25 years, a community First Aid instructor and was also a devoted blood donor.

Bob played many pranks on fellow friends and businessmen who enjoyed reciprocating. His arch rival was the late great Ole Draxten. He had many good times with family and friends and was always ready to go for a “quick” cup of coffee. One of his favorite places for coffee was The Viking, where he was the self- appointed president of the Table of Knowledge.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, James Fischer Karst; son-in-laws, Ray Gunderson and Ross Florand; great-granddaughter, Emily Lynn Johnson; and mother-in-law, Julia Larson.

Survivors include his wife, Ruthe of Fergus Falls; children, Deb Karst of Ft. Myers, FL, Kevin (Deac) Karst of Osage, MN, Dan (Wendy) Karst of Fergus Falls, Teresa (Todd) Smedstad of Fergus Falls, Jan Florand of Webster, WI, James (Skeeter) Karst of Fergus Falls, Dianne (Doug) Herman of Underwood, Jeff Kube of Underwood, John (LaVon) Kube of Fargo, ND, Glenn Kube of Brainerd, MN; 22 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, William “Bill” Karst of Fergus Falls and his first wife, Janice Ramsey of Fergus Falls.

Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice Foundation.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday with a 6 p.m. public prayer service at the funeral home.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Wesley Gabel
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN