Robert Grady Rutherford, age 87, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Emerald Crest Memory Care in Shakopee, MN.
A celebration of life will be held for Bob and wife, Ellie Dahl Rutherford on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 12 pm, with a time of gathering from 10:30-11:45 am, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Jonathan Rundman will preside. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Bob and Ellie’s memory by the family. A celebration of life will also be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4:30-7:30 pm, at Swan Club, 875 Heritage Road, De Pere, WI.
Robert was born June 20, 1936, in Cokato, MN, to Harry and Ailie (Christopher) Rutherford. He graduated from Spring Valley, WI and furthered his education at UW River Falls, in River Falls, WI, with a major in Chemistry. Bob took this degree and worked most of his career at EcoLab.
Robert married Cherie Larson on August 10, 1957, until her passing on October 27, 2001. He remarried on July 22, 2006, to Elrene (Johnson) Dahl, both at the age of 70.
From a young age, Robert loved the adventures with family at Cokato Lake, in Minnesota. He also has fond memories of Spring Valley, hunting for agates and arrowheads. As Robert’s sons were growing up in Green Bay, WI, he was an active Boy Scout Leader for 13 years. A faithful servant to his Lord, Robert was always active in the church. He had a passion for music, where Robert was instrumental in establishing the boys’ choir singing traditional hymns. His love for music continued beyond the church singing and playing his guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Robert had a lifelong enthusiasm for hunting and fishing. A gifted artist, Robert loved to draw. He loved fixing and driving collector cars. One of Robert’s favorite girls was his 1931 Ford Model A named Betsy. In his later years, Robert and Ellie loved spending winters in Arizona and summers at the lake cottage in Holcombe, WI.
Robert lived life to the fullest. He embraced his Finnish Heritage and all the traditions. Robert loved making people smile and laugh with his jokes and stories. He filled each day with fun and mischief! Robert will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and friend to many.
Forever loved, Robert will be forever missed by children, Bob Jr (Ann Schneider) Rutherford, Grady (Susan Belleau) Rutherford, Erik (Lori) Rutherford, Matt (Jane) Dahl, Eric (Kristi) Dahl, Kris (Mindi) Dahl, Kiersten (Stanley) Dahl-Sheltka; 21 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Thom (Julie) Rutherford, Mary Martin, Mark (Carolyn) Rutherford; sister-in-law, Gail Rutherford; other relatives and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by wives, Cherie (Larson) and Ellie (Dahl); son, Charles Dahl; parents, Harry and Ailie; siblings, James (Dayna) Rutherford, Lee Rutherford; and brother-in-law, Roger Martin.
