Robert J. Lundgren

Mankato Mortuary1001 N. Riverfront DriveMankato, MN  56001(507) 388-2202Robert James Lundgren, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at his home in Eagle Lake, MN.Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017, at All Saints Catholic Church, with Rev. Robert Schneider officiating.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the church and one hour prior to Saturday's service.  Mankato Mortuary is handling the arrangements.Robert was born February 12, 1942, in Mankato, MN to Gustaf and Helen (Buchholtz) Lundgren.  Raised by his mother along with five brothers and two sisters, his childhood was ripe with mayhem and adventures. He often reminisced of the mischief he and his buddies would find themselves in and the wonderment of having survived childhood in spite of themselves. Robert grew, lived, and worked in the Eagle Lake area his entire life, choosing to raise his own family amid the landscape he knew so well.Robert was a 1960 graduate of Mankato High School and attended Vocational Technical College of Minneapolis, MN. Earning a degree in Drafting and Technical Drawing, he found local employment with Kato Engineering.  He designed and drafted plans for AC generators (alternators) used in mining, oil rigs, power plants, and naval ships worldwide.  After 31 years of service, he retired early at age 59.Robert was united in marriage to Bonita Tarpy on March 3, 1962, in Madison Lake, MN. Together they raised six children. Forever busy and immune to rest, he wore many hats besides husband and father.  He was the original home improvement star.  If he couldn't buy it, he built it.  If someone needed it, he made it.  If he couldn't fix it, it was no good anyway.  He demonstrated in life and love that nothing worth having is easy, where there's a will there's a way, and there is no such word as "can't".  He had a strong passion for cars and one of his greatest joys was talking "shop" with his son Nathan.  He enjoyed restoring and building classic and custom cars, attending auto shows, and remembering the "good ol' days.  He also loved music and dancing, visiting friends, and Sunday drives. He was a member of several car clubs, a founding member of the Snow Eagles snowmobile club, and a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake.  Charismatic and never shy, conversation came easy to him.  Every stranger was a potential friend and every friend was lifelong.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.Robert is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Bonnie of Eagle Lake, MN; daughter Juanita (Jeff) Milbrett of Pemberton, MN, daughter Rachelle “Shelley” (Bob) Wilkinson of St. Peter, MN, daughter Shannon Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN, daughter Nicole (Rick Ashpole) Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN, and son Nathan (Katie Roelofs) Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN; nine grandchildren, Jarrett, Miranda, and Jacob Milbrett, Kristin, Corey, and Sarah Rapp, Brandon, Tyler Porter and Tiffany Ashpole; eight great-grandchildren; six siblings, Richard Lundgren, Sandra (Maynard) Rauchman, Duane (Kathy) Lundgren, Michael Lundgren, LaVerne (Bernice) Lundgren, and Pam (Michael) Grant; also many nieces, nephews, family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cheryl; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Marvin Passon; brother, Gary Lundgren; nephew, Steven Rauchman; and two sisters-in-law, Millie and Dee.