Robert “Bob” John Plekkenpol
A resident of Red Wing, formerly of Shakopee, Robert J. Plekkenpol, age 59, entered eternal life on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Red Wing Care Center, after a courageous fight with pneumonia. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, June 7 at 11 am, with visitation two hours prior, all at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12700 Marystown Road, Shakopee, MN. The Reverend Mark L. Schwertfeger will preside. Bob will be laid to rest next to his beloved father, Carl, at the Valley Cemetery, in Shakopee, MN.
Bob was born on April 15, 1955, in Shakopee MN, to proud parents, Carl and Harriet (Ruehling) Plekkenpol. He was welcomed home by older brother, Roger and parents to his Shakopee resident. Bob was baptized into the Kingdom of God, as an infant, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Chaska, MN. He spent a happy and carefree childhood on his rural country home. Bob enjoyed his pets, skating, fishing and biking. He also enjoyed the family vacations and going up north with cousins and friends. In his teenage years, Bob enjoyed driving his dad’s John Deere tractors and loved working in the fields and taking care of the farm animals.
Bob publicly confessed his Christian faith, when he was confirmed at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shakopee, MN. He attended Shakopee Elementary Public School and Shakopee High School. Bob was a conscientious and good student. He enjoyed shop class and industrial arts, where he excelled in his studies.
At the age of 16, Bob had a severe accident. After being hospitalized and in a coma for over three months, he began the long road of rehabilitation and therapy. No matter how hard the challenge, Bob continued to strive to improve and did well. In 1990, he moved to Red Wing Care Center, in Red Wing, MN. Bob continued to receive rehab and therapy and participated in the daily activities. He attended the ProAct workshop, where Bob met many new friends.
Bob enjoyed his room decorated in seasonal displays and the shelves filled with collections of all kinds. He enjoyed listening to music and watching the Minnesota Twins – win or lose. Bob was the happiest, when he was arm wrestling. He would greet you, as well as saying goodbye, raising his left arm and saying “winner.” Bob was very thankful for the many visits and greetings from caring and loving family and friends. He was especially thankful for the care and dedicated staff at the care center, where Bob remained until his death. Through all of life’s challenges, Bob continually showed his bravery, in setting forth great examples to family and friends, on how to live through the challenges. But what was most important to him was Bob’s strong faith in the Lord.
Left to honor Bob’s life and mourn the death is mother, Harriet Plekkenpol of Shakopee; brother, Roger (Vickie) Plekkenpol of Shakopee; loving and devoted aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, dear cousins, good friends and devoted staff.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Bob home in heaven, his father, Carl Plekkenpol.
Pall bearers for Bob will be Bonnie Derendal, Lisa Hovden, Mike Plekkepol, Richard Plekkenpol, Neil Plekkenpol, Anna Plekkenpol and Jeff Plekkenpol.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served the Plekkenpol family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
