Robert L. Crosby

Bob Crosby died peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 93 shortly after lunch with dear friends at his beloved Minikahda Club. Bob passed the way he lived his life-quietly, with dignity, grace and compassion. Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska on January 31, 1932. When he was a boy, Bob's parents, Lew and Irene, moved him and his beloved sister, Carolyn (Carrie) to the Twin Cities. Bob excelled in school, first at Wooddale Elementary and then at Breck. Bob's academic record gained him admission to Yale, where he met many great friends and developed a lifelong love for New Haven-style pizza. Bob then studied law at Harvard, completing a rare Harvard-Yale combination. Before starting his law practice, Bob served in the Army during the Korean War, including a stint in Hawaii. After his military service, Bob had a successful legal career spanning over 50 years. He joined Best and Flanagan after working at the Dorsey firm, specializing in trusts and estates. Bob was named a fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and served two terms as the firm's managing partner. Even in retirement, he remained part of the firm's social fabric. In the early 1960s, Bob met the love of his life, Gretchen Kerkhof. They married in 1965 and spent the next 55 years together. They complemented each other perfectly: he was steady and reserved; she was outgoing and a little boisterous. They loved entertaining, travel, golf and socializing with friends at Minikahda, where he served as president in 1985. They also loved being parents to their three children, and were active in all parts of their lives, whether supporting their athletics, art, music or other activities. Later, Bob and Gretchen became devoted grandparents who spent countless hours with their grandkids, including hosting special family trips to their winter home in Scottsdale. Despite his reserved nature, Bob had a razor-sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. His faculties remained vibrant until the time of his passing. He also never failed to dress to impress. Following Gretchen's death in 2020, Bob remained a favorite in all his social circles, whether at Westminster Church, Minikahda, his history club, bridge groups or the Waters retirement home. Bob always remained well-read, following current events and indulging his passion for history books and politics. His rare intellect, combined with his loving and generous nature, defined Bob for his entire life. Bob is survived by his sister Carolyn C. Anderson, son David (Rebekah), daughters Jennifer and Susan (John), grandchildren Lewis, Theo, Eli, Zoe, Annika, Sam and Sophie, niece Margaret Finks (David), nephew Peter Anderson and their children. Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis on July 30, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held at the church immediately after the service. In lieu of memorials, contributions to the Evans Scholars Foundation would be welcomed. There is free, underground parking at Westminster Entrance to the parking structure is at 95-99 Alice Rainville Place between Nicollet Mall and Marquette Avenue.

Tributes

Robert L. Crosby

January 31, 1932 - July 9, 2025

Tributes

Robert L. Crosby

January 31, 1932 - July 9, 2025

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