Robert “Bob” Cwikla
Robert “Bob” Cwikla, 66 of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side.
Robert William Cwikla was born March 9, 1955 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Paul and Frances (Jesme) Cwikla. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended school in Middle River, MN, graduating with the class of 1973.
On September 28, 1974, Bob was united in marriage to Bonnie Sistad. They made their home on a farm in Veldt Township north of Grygla, MN where they raised their two sons, Ryan and Adam. Bonnie passed away on October 21, 2001.
Bob’s most recent employment was at the Warroad NAPA selling automotive parts until his retirement on March 31, 2017. He also worked for TR Jobbing out of Middle River, Farmers Union at Grygla and road construction. He also enjoyed working on his farm near Grygla.
On June 18, 2011, Bob was united in marriage to MariLou Miller Anderson at Birch Beach on Lake of the Woods. Together they enjoyed winter and summer fishing, traveling, meeting new friends at the lake and watching FOX News.
Bob was affectionately known as “Mr. C” by friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, Ranger rides, gardening, especially growing pumpkins for his grandkids, working for farmers, watching purple martins who nested in his yard, watching TV and spending time with family. He had a love/hate relationship with the MN Twins & Vikings. He especially loved spending time with family.
He was very quick witted, had a comeback for everything, and enjoyed visiting with people.
Survivors include his loving wife, MariLou Miller Cwikla of Thief River Falls; sons, Ryan (Darcie) Cwikla of Warroad, MN and Adam Cwikla of Donaldson, MN; MariLou’s children, Garrett (Amanda) Anderson of Bemidji, MN and Laura (Jeff) Stengrim of Thief River Falls; six grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Loewe, Samantha (Josh Thode) Loewe, Gwen & Miller Stengrim, Devon & Everett Anderson; 6 great-grandchildren, Ariya, Aurora, Aston, Aikley, Arysen & Ambrose; mother, Frances Jesme Cwikla; siblings, Doris (Roy) Bernstein, Ken (Sybil) Cwikla and Lorri (Jim) Brandenburg; mother & father-in-law, Edgar & Dorothy Miller; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; father, Paul; infant daughter; grandparents, William & Alice Jesme, Peter Cwikla, and Caroline Cwikla Zelik; and Bonnie’s parents, Stewart & Lottie Sistad.
The Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2075 Highway 59 SE, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating. Burial will be at St. Olaf Cemetery one mile east of Grygla, MN on Highway 89. Visitation was from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service/time of sharing on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at church.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com