Robert Lyle Slifer

Slifer, Robert L. "Bob" age 98, died on December 22, 2020. Resident of Village Shores, Richfield, MN. Bob was born in Polo, Illinois and grew up on the family farm. He put himself through Northwestern University and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. During World War II he served in the Army Air Force as a radio and communications instructor, and once the war was over, he went back to school to get his master's degree from MIT. This accomplishment was one of the things he was most proud of in his life. During the war, Bob met a young woman when he was on leave in St. Louis, and something caught his eye, because in 1948 he and Judith Haigler got married. Bob took a position with Monsanto Chemical Company and worked there for 30 years. During his tenure there, he had the opportunity to work in Antwerp, Belgium, which turned out to be an amazing adventure for the whole family. At every school vacation, Bob and Judy took their two daughters all over Europe, the Mediterranean and even the Middle East. Returning to St. Louis, MO after time in Europe, Bob and Judy found a new opportunity. An interest in wine sparked by their time in Europe developed into an involvement and ultimately, ownership of Montelle Winery in Augusta MO. Bob took an early retirement from Monsanto and he and Judy, along with four other partners, operated the winery for 20 years with Bob as the chief wine maker. After selling the winery in 1999, Bob and Judy moved to Minneapolis to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Bob anchored his new life in retirement with involvement with his church, his family and a daily "lunch bunch." He eventually became one of the volunteer leaders and was responsible for telling bad jokes before the meal. Having played the alto sax in college, Bob took it up again in his 80's and played in a senior big band, and a brass ensemble at his church. He sang in the choir for many years and was a member of the weekly "tool box" volunteers. Bob was truly a good example of the "greatest generation" with a life spanning most of the 20th century. He will be remembered as a man who was intelligent, responsible, quietly caring, willing to tackle a new adventure, and above all, someone who acted on his values. Bob is preceded in death by his wife Judy; daughter Janet, mother Nancy Ruth Forney; sisters Lois Haugen and Charlotte Kaneaster; nephew John Haugen. Survived by daughter Lynn (Tom Kinsey); grandchildren Robert Muller (Kim Vo), Rachel Muller, Kayt Dols (Nick); great granddaughters Abby and Mady Dols; nieces Peggy Fitch (Ben Allen), Jane Fitch, Lucinda Fitch Wright (Robert); and special cat Frankie. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to The Slifer Family Fund at the University of Minnesota. Make checks payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266. Due to Covid-19, a memorial will be scheduled at a future date. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Robert Lyle Slifer

September 24, 1922 - December 22, 2020

Tributes

Robert Lyle Slifer

September 24, 1922 - December 22, 2020

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