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  Robert James Ugstad, 78, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 27, 2026, while enjoying a round of golf with friends.

   Born and raised in Hermantown, MN on the family homestead, he was proud to have been on the first Hermantown High School hockey team.

   Bob served seven years in the U.S. Navy aboard the SSBN submarine Kamehameha Gold. While stationed in Groton, CT he was blessed with the birth of his daughter Shelley from his first marriage. After completing his military service he returned to Minnesota, divorced, and earned his degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he met his future wife, Su.

   After college, Bob and Su relocated to the East Coast where they could be closer to Shelley; they were married on June 29th, 1981, and spent the next 20 years in New Hampshire raising their daughters Ryan and Sage. Bob enjoyed boating, skiing, water skiing, mountain biking, hockey, and billiards. He also had a long career at Millipore, advancing from building maintenance to process engineer and contributing to equipment design and development.

   In 2001, Bob and Su returned to Minnesota and began a new chapter as owners of Balsam Bay Resort in Remer. They spent 19 years creating a welcoming place for family, friends, and returning guests.  Bob was active in the community, maintaining the Longville hockey rink, driving school bus, organizing a cribbage league, and playing competitive pool. He was known for his ability to fix, build, and solve just about anything.

   In retirement, Bob and Su settled on Vermillion Lake north of Remer, where he enjoyed fishing, pontoon rides, and restoring motorized toys. He especially loved his 1961 Corvette and 1970s speedboat, along with tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, and his “BOB Cat.”

   Bob was a natural extrovert and seemed to remember everyone’s name. He was known for his warm smile, generous heart, and endless supply of dad jokes (often groan-worthy), occasionally questionable, but always delivered with love.  He cherished his time spent with loved ones, traveling to visit friends, and staying connected to the people who mattered most to him.

   He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Susan Lynn (Oftedahl) Ugstad; daughters Ryan Leigh Ugstad (Greeder) and Sage Hannah Ugstad; sons-in-law Dennis Reardon and Blake Greeder; grandchildren Kayla and Liam Reardon and step-grandchildren Chance, Trace, Ryder, and Ramsey Greeder; sister Carolyn (Tom) Ferrazzi; and many extended family and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rochelle Ann “Shelley” Reardon; his parents Olaf Ugstad and Ann (Bergvall) Ugstad; brothers Allan and Brian Ugstad; and sister Rosalie Edwards.

   A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids on Saturday, October 3rd, with reception to follow. Details pending.

   He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

   Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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