Robert B. Fangmeier

Robert B. Fangmeier, 83, of Pipestone, MN passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 21, 2009 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone, MN. Inurnment will be in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and a Christian Wake Service at 7:00 PM Friday at the church.


Robert (Bob) Fangmeier was born December 3, 1925 in Webster, SD to Harry and Margaret (Frahm) Fangmeier. In 1933, the family farmed near Trosky until moving to Pipestone where Harry started a salvage yard. After high school, Bob went to Montana where he worked for the Forest Service until joining the Army in 1944. He served with the 99th Infantry Division and fought in The Battle of the Bulge and other actions. Bob received the Purple Heart while acting as a Division Messenger and served with the occupation forces before his Honorable Discharge from the Army on VJ Day.

After his Army service, Bob spent time in California and Minnesota learning auto supply and auto repair before returning to Pipestone where he started a used car business with his father, Harry.

He married Mildred Engbarth on October 7, 1950 and shortly thereafter started working for Hicks Motor Company until he retired. He also worked with his friend Ernie Kraft repairing and selling wrecked cars. He and his father built a number of houses in Pipestone, including the one he raised his family in.

Bob loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved teaching his children about both sports. Later, he developed an interest in woodworking and happily made trucks, cars, waterfowl and fish for his children. Bob was a quiet, thoughtful man who would most often be found at Lange’s Café with friends.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Millie, Pipestone; his sons Jim (Sandy), Durham, NC; and Doug (Jan), Inver Grove Heights, MN; his daughters Diann (Tom Marten), St. Peter, MN; and Sue, Chester, SD; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Dorothy Miller and Donna Gannon.