Robert Dieseth

Robert E. Dieseth, 80, of Urbandale, Iowa, formerly of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died Thursday, August 2, 2007, in Iowa. Bob was born on January 4, 1927 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to John and Ellen (Saxhaug) Dieseth. He graduated from Luther College in 1949, married Avis Gilberts and returned to Fergus in 1952. He worked in his father's company, the John Dieseth Company, until his father retired. He then started his own company, Dieseth Specialty Company, which he ran until his own retirement in 1988. Bob was a member of the Fergus Falls School Board and City Council and was a long time member and former President of Fergus Falls Kiwanis Club. A faithful supporter of Luther College, Bob served as a member and chairman of Luther's Board of Regents and was presented with Luther's Distinguished Service Award in 1999. Bob was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, participating in many different ministries including Church Council, Sunday School teacher, Building Committee and Church Foundation. In 2003, Bob and Avis moved to The Reserve in Urbandale, Iowa, to be closer to his son John and his family. Bob and Avis became active members of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale, where he served as Chairman of the St. Stephen Lutheran Church Trust Fund. Bob was preceded in death by his infant daughter, and is survived by: his loving wife Avis; two sons, John (Jane) Dieseth of Urbandale, Iowa, and Paul (Susan) Dieseth, of Burnsville, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Anne; sister, Joanne Smith; brother-in-law Dennis (Noreen) Gilberts; three nephews, one niece, and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 6, 2007, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with Pastor Matt Philaya officiating, with visitation at the Church beginning one hour before the service. An additional service will be held at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale, Iowa. Memorials may be given to St. Stephen Lutheran Church Trust Fund, 3510 72nd Street Urbandale, IA 50322, or to Mercy Hospice, c/o Mercy Foundation of Des Moines, 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314-9906. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of local arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com