Robert Dvorak
With deep sorrow, our father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert (Bob) Dvorak, 88, of Clarissa who left us on November 20, 2025, for his heavenly home.
A memorial service was held December 5 at the Iten Funeral Home in Browerville.
Robert Dean Dvorak was born May 22, 1937, to John and Cora “Mabel” (Tepley) Dvorak at their rural home in Todd County, the youngest of five children. He attended several country schools before graduating from Clarissa High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Air Force to honorably and proudly serve his country. Bob spoke many, many times of his time spent in the service and of his fellow comrades. He was united in marriage to Shirley Bristlin at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bartlett Township, Verndale on June 14, 1958.
Bob worked as a welder in Staples. He and Shirley raised five children on their farm, Kathy, Alison, Mitchell, David and Jim. He raised sheep, which he enjoyed and was especially proud of his “prize” ram. Later, he milked a few cows. While he also worked in town, Shirley and their two eldest sons helped with the milking and chores.
Bob was an avid reader, loved hunting small game birds, deer and in his later years turkeys. He was known for his “funny” stories ending with dynamic laughter shared by everyone listening. His favorite music was the “old-fashioned polka” music. He especially enjoyed his favorite traditional family meal of pork roast with dumplings, prune kolaches, prune-filled cookies and homemade finger rolls.
In 1990, Bob and Shirley moved to Yakima, WA, returning to Minnesota to retire on their current farm in 2001. He had a profound and endearing love for, spending quiet moments on the deck listening and watching the birds, observing deer and turkeys passing through the yard. It was their “little slice of heaven” which he had a profound and endearing love and it was there Bob remained until the day of his death.
Bob’s presence, stories and laugh will be forever missed and remembered by his wife, Shirley of 67 years; two daughters, Kathy (Mike) Larson of rural Browerville and Alison (Michael) Shipley of Moberly, MO; three sons, Mitchell (Angela) of Zimmerman, David “Dave” (Seri) of Bellevue, WA and James “Jim /Jr (Carol) of Yakima, WA; 13 grandchildren, Michelle, Christopher, Becky, Thomas, Anthony, Minda, Julieanna, Hunter, Holden, Carter, Kenadi, Brooklyn and Harper and nine great-grandchildren, Alaina, Chloee, Tayvin, Haisley, Shawn, Jacob, Elaina, Anthony and Emma.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joyce and Frank and two sisters, Alice Cline and Grace Cline.
Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home of Browerville.
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