Robert "Bob" James Blakely

Robert James "Bob" Blakely Age 74 of Eden Prairie. A man of deep Christian faith, Bob's prayers during 3+ years of his prostate cancer journey centered on three promises of God: Strength. Grace. Peace. The battle belonged to the Lord, which was won on May 6, 2025, when Bob's faith became sight. Survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 43 years, Susan; son Adam; sisters Debi Lauer and Karen Waldemarsen (Jim); sister-in-law Ruth Hayes (Rick), brothers-in-law Michael Donato (Holly) and Jeff Donato (Gina); and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his quick smile, sparkling eyes, generous spirit, and joy of telling stories. And, oh how he loved to dance! A proud "East Sider," Bob was born in St. Paul on 11/1/1950 to Donald and Marlys Blakely, the only son among three sisters. A 1968 graduate of Harding High School, he earned a business degree from the University of Minnesota where he joined the brotherhood of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Bob's career in the janitorial supply business began in 1973, working for Flour City Brush Co. as a salesperson in the Chicago area. Wanting to own a distributorship, he returned to Minnesota in 1979 to start Northern Brush Company. He later took on a partner to grow the business, called Sanco. When his partner wanted to retire, he sold Sanco and later started Janex, Inc. in 1996. He took great joy in watching his employees grow and helping customers solve their most difficult cleaning problems. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. He joined the Waterdogs fishing club in 1989 for the camaraderie of monthly tournaments and annual "Muskie Tour" trips to Lake of the Woods. He hunted deer in the Park Rapids area with close friends for nearly 30 years. Since age 11, he spent many enjoyable hours with friends and family on the golf course, joining Olympic Hills Golf Club in 2010. Bob shared his love for the outdoors with Susan and Adam with frequent fishing and golfing trips to northern Minnesota. For nearly 10 years, he coached Adam in soccer, a game he never played but came to love dearly, earning two levels of MN licenses along the way. A member of Wooddale Church for more than 30 years, Bob served in various capacities including short-term mission trips to Guatemala and, through Bible studies and small group fellowship, he made many lifelong friendships. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Marlys Blakely; sister, Linda Hanson; brother-in-law, Donald Hanson; and brother-in-law, Mark Lauer. In memory of Bob, a house in rural Guatemala will be built next year for a needy family. Donate by check to Wooddale Church, Attn: Kathy Emerson, 6630 Shady Oak Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (write "Guatemala House Building Fund" on the memo line). A Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, July 8; service starts at 11 AM, with one-hour visitation prior at Wooddale Church. A lunch reception will follow. To view the service live, visit: https://www.wooddale.org/events www.Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie 952-975-0400

Tributes

Robert "Bob" James Blakely

November 1, 1950 - May 6, 2025

Tributes

Robert "Bob" James Blakely

November 1, 1950 - May 6, 2025

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