Robert Fiechtner

Robert “Bob” Fiechtner, 69, Fargo, returned to his Creator after a short but courageous battle with cancer at MeritCare Hospital on Sunday, March 15, 2009. Bob was born February 21, 1940, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, to Fred and Selma (Knudtson) Fiechtner. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1957. He attended Valparaiso University for one year and graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, in 1961. Bob married the love of his life, Sandra Dahl, on June 8, 1962, in Abercrombie, North Dakota. Bob’s love of music was ever present in his life. He was a soloist with the Concordia Concert Choir. After graduating from college, Bob directed the high school choir in Hawley, Minnesota. Pursuing his music interests further, Bob attended the University of Minnesota and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Vocal Performance in 1966. He then taught voice and directed the choir at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. In 1967, Bob and Sandy returned to Fargo, and Bob became co-owner of Nodak Store with his brother, Gerry. Bob also taught voice at Concordia College for several years. Bob’s passions in life were evident in all that he did. He loved his family, his friends, music, and golf, and he celebrated life every day. He sang several leading roles with the FM Civic Opera Company. He also directed the FM Barbershop Chorus for several years and was a member of a barbershop quartet. Bob spent time whenever he could on the golf course and treasured his time golfing with his son and son-in-law, his “Weekenders” group from Fargo Country Club, and a number of other friends. He participated for over 30 years in the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament in Detroit Lakes receiving the John Rutledge Memorial Award in 2006. After retiring in 1996, Bob and Sandy split their time between Fargo and Peoria, Arizona. In their Westbrook Village community, Bob remained actively involved in golf and music. Bob was a loving and dedicated husband, father, “Boppa,” brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, Fargo; children, Kristin (Matt) Nelsen, Fargo and Tim (Holly), Fargo; grandchildren: Madeline Nelsen, Birk Nelsen, and grandson-to-be Nels Fiechtner; siblings, Gerald (Joan), Fargo; Eunice (Eusebio) Menezes, Cupertino, California; foster brother Ed (Carol) Herrmann, Fargo; brothers-in-law, Gordon (Carole) Dahl, Great Falls, Montana and Michael (Linda) Dahl, Wayzata, Minnesota; several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Selma Fiechtner, and in-laws, Carl and Sylvia Dahl. Memorials are preferred to Oak Grove Lutheran School, The Roger Maris Cancer Center, and Grace Lutheran School. Funeral service: 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Olivet Lutheran Church. Visitation: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at MeritCare Hospital. Their care, kindness, and support during this difficult time have been sincerely appreciated.