Robert "Bob" Maurice Gaarder

Robert “Bob” Maurice Gaarder, age 86, of Mankato passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, with visitation one hour prior to the service on Friday as well. Burial with military honors will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Mankato Salvation Army. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Bob served as a Specialist (E4) in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Trudi, in 1957 after returning from the service. Bob was a high school Social Studies teacher, retiring from Mankato East after 33+ years. Bob was the first basketball coach at Mankato East, and also a golf coach during his time there. Bob was inducted to the Mankato East High School Hall of Fame. He enjoyed refereeing volleyball and football, and playing golf. He loved to travel, especially up to Canada to go fishing. Bob was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, and a member of the Eagles Club.

Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude (Trudi) Gaarder; children, Timothy (Julia) Gaarder, Mark (Valerie) Gaarder; grandchildren, Kerianne (Andrew) LeJeune, Casey (Dai) Gaarder, Connor (Kaitlin) Gaarder, Bailey Gaarder, Brittany Deschene (Teddy Trinidad), Katrina Gaarder (Matt Hoehn), and Jeremy Gaarder; step-grandchildren, Morgan (Mark) Boehland, Caswell (Jane) Woosley; 10 great-grandchildren, and sister, Marica Moyer. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Velma Gaarder and great-granddaughter, Rosemary Sue LeJeune.