Robert Carl Perkins

Robert C. Perkins, age 96, of Edina, Minnesota, made the transition to the next chapter of his amazing life on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. His life was defined by faith, family, leadership, service, friendship, and a genuine enthusiasm for embracing every season of life. Whether in the boardroom, on a ski slope, sailing across a lake, volunteering in the community, or simply sharing time with family and friends, Bob lived with purpose, integrity, and gratitude. Bob was born on July 25, 1929, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to John and Bertha Perkins. From an early age he developed the work ethic, discipline, and attention to detail that became hallmarks of his life. He grew up in Livonia, earned his bachelor's degree from Albion College and later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. A lifelong Wolverine fan, Bob rarely missed a Michigan football Saturday and proudly cheered, "Go Blue!" Albion College also introduced Bob to the love of his life, Rhoda. They married shortly after Bob graduated while Rhoda completed her senior year. Their marriage of 74 years was built on love, mutual respect, shared adventures, and a commitment to family. Following graduation, Bob was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He successfully argued that his financial skills would better serve the Army than his typing skills and was assigned as a Budget and Fiscal Specialist at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. After his military service, Bob began his career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen in Detroit before moving into executive leadership with two private companies. In 1973, Bob and Rhoda packed up the family and made what seemed like a bold move-crossing west of the Mississippi River to Minnesota, where Bob became Chief Financial Officer of Opus Corporation. During his years at Opus, Bob played an important role in helping the company grow from a respected regional builder into a nationally recognized organization. Colleagues admired his thoughtful leadership, financial expertise, and unwavering integrity. Even after retiring in 1989, Bob continued sharing his wisdom through board service with Opus, Fabcon, Nor-Son, and other organizations, always enjoying the opportunity to mentor leaders and help businesses thrive. Family was always at the center of Bob's life. He is survived by his beloved wife Rhoda; children Carol, Gary (Kirstin), and Glenn (Barb); four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with family. Many family memories began with everyone piling into the station wagon for weekends at the family's Michigan cottage. Winter meant skiing, while summers were spent boating, sailing, skiing, and gathering with extended family and friends at the lake. Later, Bob and Rhoda enjoyed treasured time at their cottage on Red Cedar Lake in Wisconsin. Bob stayed connected with high school classmates, Albion College friends, and extended family, faithfully attending reunions and making trips east and west to visit family and friends. Bob enjoyed being active throughout his life. He loved downhill skiing and continued taking ski trips with friends into his early 80s, including trips to the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps. One of his greatest thrills was sailing his Hobie Cat catamaran, "hanging ten" on windy afternoons. Another unforgettable adventure was soaring silently above the snow-covered mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, in a glider aircraft. Bob and Rhoda spent more than 25 winters in Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona, where they developed many close friendships and enjoyed hiking, social activities, and community life. Even into his 90s, Bob took hikes in the Catalina Mountains with his daughter and took great interest in landscaping and garden design. Back in Minnesota, Bob remained active in his community. He served on the board and landscape committee at Edina West Condominiums where he lived for 20 years, helping maintain the grounds while building lasting friendships with neighbors. At Flagstone, he enjoyed the daily exercise classes and appreciated the friendships he developed with residents and staff. Even at age 96, exercise classes remained part of his daily routine. Service to others was an important part of Bob's life. After retirement, he devoted much of his time to volunteer leadership. He served as President of the Minneapolis Aquatennial in 1990 and 1991, traveling with Aquatennial royalty to festivals throughout the Midwest, Texas and Georgia and even Japan. He later served as President and board member of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization. Bob joined Rotary Club of Edina in 1984 and served as Club President in 1994-95. His Rotary service included a Rotary International trip to Taiwan. His commitment to volunteering continued well into his 90s. He packed meals at Feed My Starving Children, volunteered at the Edina Art Fair, and rang the Salvation Army bell outside Jerry's Foods-even in sub-zero temperatures at age 93. Bob's faith was a steady part of his life. From serving as an usher in his Michigan church to greeting worshippers alongside Rhoda at Christ Presbyterian Church well into their 80s, he quietly lived his faith through service and kindness. The family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers of Stacy Jensen Home Health, whose compassionate care over the past six months brought comfort and dignity to both Bob and Rhoda. Bob's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the organizations he strengthened, the community he served, and the many lives he touched through his leadership, kindness, and generosity. Bob was never short of words when he had a story to tell or a thought to share. It seems only fitting that this remembrance continues that tradition. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ Presbyterian Church, Feed my Starving Children, or N. C. Little Memorial Hospice.

Robert Carl Perkins

July 25, 1929 - July 13, 2026

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