Robert Alan Rood

Robert Alan Rood, age 91, passed away on March 14th, 2026, after suffering a stroke in 2018. He was surrounded by his family in his final minutes and passed peacefully. Bob was born to Harold and Josephine Rood on August 23, 1934, in Minneapolis, MN. Bob grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, attended Edison High School and joined the Navy, sailing on the USS Lloyd, out of Norfolk, VA. Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned to Minneapolis, where he met and married JoAnn Meester (Deakyne) and welcomed 4 daughters, Deborah, Kathryn, Susan and Lisa. He also started his lifelong career at Zero-Max, where he got the opportunity to travel the world and make great friends along the way. He retired from Zero Max after 45 years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2001. Years earlier in 1978, Bob married Beverly Erlandson and welcomed Pamela and Donald to the blended family as his own. Beverly passed after a battle with cancer in January 1997 and Bob relocated to Arizona a couple of years later. He joined his sister, Judy (Leo) and parents in Sun City West where he enjoyed hiking, biking, bowling and golf. The kids and grandkids enjoyed visiting Papa Zona in AZ and always loved his weeks spent in MN. In the summer, he'd rent a cabin for multiple weeks, where our big, blended family would enjoy fishing, boating, bonfires and precious time together. He would also drive from AZ to MN multiple times a year for holidays, school or sports events, and other important dates. Bob was so proud of having walked the grandkids to their first day of kindergarten and seeing them graduate high school/college and become successful in their young adult lives. Bob is survived by his children Deborah, Donald (Kelly) Erlandson, Kathryn (Daniel) Eastman, Susan Hansen, Lisa (Mark Sheetz) Strachota, his grandchildren - Matthew Gray, Jacob (Belle) Rasmussen, Courtney Strachota, Cole Hansen, Leah Hansen, Lauren Rasmussen and Wesley Eastman, great grandchildren Brooklyn Gray and Merit Rasmussen. He is also survived by his caring sister and brother-in-law, Judy (Leo) Flynn, his brother Jim and nieces, nephews, former coworkers and friends. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents Harold and Josephine, his wife, Beverly Erlandson and daughter, Pamela Gray. The family will have a private service at Morningside Gardens where Beverly is buried. Special thanks to Hayden Grove Assisted Living and Interim Hospice who supported the family during Bob's final months and weeks. Rest in Peace Dad/Papa Zona - catch lots of fish and enjoy some red wine. We love you!

Tributes

Robert Alan Rood

August 23, 1934 - March 14, 2026

Tributes

Robert Alan Rood

August 23, 1934 - March 14, 2026

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