Robert Wurden

Robert David Wurden, born December 2, 1924, passed away in his home early Wednesday morning, August 8, 2012, from the complications of skin cancer. Bob spent the 87 years the Lord gave him on earth at the core of his family, church, and community in Bygland, Minnesota, on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather. He was the oldest son of Anchor and Nan Wurden. Bob's early education was in a nearby country school, followed by three winters away at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, Minnesota. Bob needed 27 years to find the perfect wife, Eileen Hoye, a farmer's daughter from "north of town." They were married for 59 years. Bob spent a lifetime exemplifying his ideals. Work hard and you will be rewarded. Live life as frugally as his Scottish mother. Help others. Bob never retired in the usual sense. His son Jon took over the farm but Bob remained on a tractor or performing chores until his health no longer allowed it. The last time he drove his pickup, it was down the road to check the fields. Bob was a lifelong member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, serving a term as its president, and was on the boards of Northland Chemical and the East Grand Forks Farmers Elevator. He filled many roles during his lifelong membership in Bygland Lutheran Church, including church president and Sunday school teacher – wherever and whenever he was needed.

Bob and Eileen spent the past winters since 1991 in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which gave Bob an opportunity to develop another devoted community of friends. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen Wurden, and his younger sister, Margaret Miller of Cathedral City, California. His four children and their families are grateful for his love and life lessons: Robbie LaFleur Moore and her husband Dr. Michael Moore, Robbie's son Joseph Robert LaFleur and daughter Margaret Nan LaFleur, all of Minneapolis, MN; Terry Wurden of Alliance, OH, Terry's daughter Stephanie and her son Isaiah of Minneapolis, MN; Jon Robert Wurden and his wife Sheila Wurden, their daughter Nickole and son Evan, all of Bygland, MN; and Barbara Wurden of Long Beach. California. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick Wurden and by son-in-law, Chris Sutton. Memorials may be given in memory of Robert David Wurden, to Northlands Rescue Mission of Grand Forks 420 Division Avenue Grand Forks, ND 58201 or Altru Hospice P.O. Box 6011 Grand Forks, ND 58206-6011. (www.robertwurdenmemorial.wordpress.com)

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, August 10, 2012
Service
Saturday, August 11, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, August 11, 2012