Robert "Bob" Tallman

Robert H. Tallman, 92, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, November 26, 2007, at his home at the Waterford in Fargo. Robert “Bob” Hall Tallman moved to Fargo in 1951, and during the more than 50 years since then has devoted himself to business and civic service. He was president of the school board when Central High School burned and was responsible for juggling sessions at the new North High School while constructing South High. Bob also devoted his time and energy to the Fargo Chamber of Commerce, St. Luke’s Hospital Association, NDSU Team Makers and the Fargo Kiwanis Club, all of which he served as president. Mr. Tallman purchased an oil company in 1951, which became Tallman Oil Company. He was active in oil circles and served as president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. Bob was also involved in the local banking world and was the president of First National Bank of Barnesville and on the board of Gate City Federal Bank. Tallman enjoyed real estate development and constructed many apartments, office buildings, service stations and restaurants. He also worked on civic building projects including the Chamber of Commerce building, the First Congregational Church and in addition to two high schools, three elementary schools. Bob Tallman was born in Creston, Iowa in 1915, and received a degree in business from the University of Nebraska. In later years, he was a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Bob, and his wife Betty, were fond of saying “they were baptized in the same church, on the same day, in their parents arms.” They never really had eyes for anyone else. They were married in 1937, and had three children, Susan Tallman Brooks, Jackson Hole, WY; Mary C. Tallman, Chicago, IL; and Timothy R. Tallman, West Fargo, ND. Betty is deceased as are his brothers, Frank Tallman and Gene Tallman. Mr. Tallman is survived by his children and eight grandchildren, Hallie Brooks Waldron; Joshua C. Brooks; Benjamin R. Knolle, Matthew G. Knolle, Kaley M. Tallman; Molly A. Talllman; Karla Feland and Kai Feland; and one great-grandson, Julien Knolle. Tallman was an avid sportsman. He traveled to Alaska, Canada and the Artic Circle fishing. He also hunted birds, elk, deer, wolves and bears. In 1995, he made a hunting trip to Africa, where he hunted herd animals such as zebra and kudu. He also was a dedicated golfer, playing twice weekly. He was a director of the Fargo Country Club. Tallman also enjoyed membership in the BPOE (Elks) and El Zagal Shrine. He lent his tenor voice to the Kiwanis and El Zagal singing groups. Bob Tallman was a member and former president of the Trustees of the First Congregational Church of Fargo. Contributions in lieu of flowers are in the name of Robert H. Tallman- to the University of Nebraska Foundation – 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300 – Lincoln, NE 68508-2886. Funeral Service: Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 1:00 PM, at First Congregational Church, Fargo, ND. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND. (Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND)