Robert Kahrs, Jr.

Robert 'Bob' Kahrs, Jr., of Bloomington, Minn., quietly took his final breath in his beloved home on April 7, 2026, just days shy of what would have been his 97th birthday. Born on April 17, 1929, in Mapleton, Iowa to Robert and Naomi (Lee) Kahrs, he was raised on the family farm during the Depression, where wealth for most was demonstrably absent, but love was abundant. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in his formative years, and on a fateful day in 1948 at the age of 18, Bob experienced love at first sight when he met Lenell Farley, who was just 14. In his own words, "I looked at her and said, 'That's the girl for me.'" They dated two years before getting engaged, and they made it official on April 5, 1952. They were married until Lenell's death in 2024 (72 years!). They lived in Sioux City, where Bob worked at Wagner, Garrison & Abbott Livestock Commission in Sioux City, Iowa. They moved in 1956 to Minneapolis when Bob got a job in sales with Wonder Bread and built the house he lived in until his death. Years later, Bob took a job with Old Dutch Foods as a sales manager, and the rest, as they say, is history. His 50-year career with Old Dutch ended with his retirement in 2014, but he kept in contact with many there right up until his passing. It's unlikely that any grocery-store management in the metro area didn't know Bob during those years. He was dedicated, outgoing and sincere, and he took great pride in his job. He possessed that rare quality for seeing people and making them feel like they mattered wherever he went. He connected personally while doing his job, and there is no doubt that the manner in way he conducted himself impacted the company positively. Bob was a storyteller extraordinaire; give him 10 minutes and he'd keep you entertained for hours! His memory was razor sharp to the end, recalling with vivid clarity events that took place decades before. A man of integrity and great humility, he lived with gratitude for life's simple joys. Those fortunate enough to know him will cherish his genuine, caring spirit. Bob is survived by children Kraig Kahrs; and Karen (Joe) Martel; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; countless friends who loved him; and former colleagues who respected him. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church in Bloomington, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to the church. www.washburn-mcreavy.com Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686

Robert Kahrs, Jr.

April 17, 1929 - April 7, 2026

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