Robert W. Detlefsen, age 83 of Redwood Falls, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Seasons Hospice in Redwood Falls.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Redwood Valley Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at church on Sunday.  Interment will be at a later date.   Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert “Bob” Detlefsen was born April 4, 1927 in Round Lake, Minnesota to William and Hannah (Osterkamp) Detlefsen.  He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Lamberton.  Bob attended country school near Lamberton through the 8th grade and then went to work as a farm laborer.  Bob entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in Korea as an MP.  He received his honorable discharge in 1947.  Shortly after returning home, Bob met Norma Harlan when she was visiting Lamberton.  Bob and Norma dated for a year, and were united in marriage on January 20, 1948 in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.  The couple briefly made their home in Springfield and later in Sanborn, before moving back to Lamberton in 1953.  Bob worked for Kluegel’s Department Store installing flooring until he opened “Bob’s Flooring” in 1986.  Bob retired for the first time in 1993 and moved to Redwood Falls where he began working at Wal-Mart as an assembler in 1994.  He worked until retiring the second time in 2006.  Bob was active in the community, serving on the church council at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lamberton, the Lamberton Ambulance, and the Lamberton Fire Department for 25 years where he served as Chief for 13 years.  Bob was also an active member of the Andrew Peterson Legion Post 41 in Lamberton, serving as Commander several times and County Commander for one term.  Bob enjoyed sports, especially playing softball, and bowling.  He loved playing cards with his fellow Legionnaires in Lamberton, and with his friends at the Redwood Falls Senior Dining Site.  Bob loved Polka music, talking with family and friends, spending time with his special buddy “Schneitzel,” and neighbors Loren & Jody.

Bob is survived by his children Marsha Anton of Mankato, Mark (Linda) Detlefsen of Lester Prairie, Keith (Donna) Detlefsen of Atwater, and Jane Detlefsen of Redwood Falls.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Larry (Heidi) Lohre, Gary (Tricia) Lohre, Joseph Detlefsen, Matthew & Anita Anton, Nancy (David) Guitierrez, Brian, Brad & Kelly Detlefsen; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister Minnie Earp of Federal Way, WA, and brother Wes (Joy) Detlefsen of Mesa, AZ.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma in 2007, 3 brothers: Les, Don, and Leo, and brother-in-law Frank Earp.