Robert “Bobby” Knute Espelund, 70 of was called to Heaven November 17th, 2022 in Fort Harrison, Montana.
Robert was born November 4th, 1952 the son of James and Shirley Espelund in Tawas, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Jessica Hooper October 1st, 2019 in Helena, Montana.
Robert was born November 4th, 1952 in Tawas, Michigan. He was the first son of Shirley and James Espelund.
Robert attended three-and-a-half years of school in Wiesbaden, Germany while his father was stationed in the Air Force. Upon returning to the states Robert graduated from Alcona High School of Michigan. He set high school defensive tackle records playing defensive end. He followed in his father’s military footsteps and enlisted in the Army. While stationed in Berlin, Germany Robert was run over by two-and-a-half-ton truck breaking his leg in two places causing one leg to be shorter than the other. But that incident never slowed him down. After leaving the Army Robert took much pride in working hard to achieve his goals. He had several careers yet kept striving for more. He was a 5-star chef and managed several restaurants throughout his career. He retired in his last career of Inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture under the skilled hands of his mentors – Dr. Legg and Dr. Blair.
Robert lived a full life, took pride in his collection of cars, was a wonderful chef, excelled at training dogs and enjoyed a deep love for all animals. He was well grounded and his strength was admired. He was well known for working very hard, always busy, never stop – never quit attitude and devotion, giving life his all.
Robert was preceeded in death by Shirley Homovich (mother) and Virginia Espelund (step-mother).
Robert is survived by Jessica Espelund (wife), James Espelund (father), William Espelund (brother), Kathleen Reilly (sister), Mary Susnjar (sister) and Micaleen “Miki” Susnjar (sister).
Burial with full military honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Helena West Side, Montana December 2nd, 2022 at 1:00pm.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 2, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams AVE.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 2, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams AVE.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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James Espelund says
Robert was a wonderful son and was so easy to raise. Always a very hard worker. I miss him so much.
Miki Susnjar - Sister says
Not only were you my BIG brother, but to me, you will remain bigger than life.
As you drove me up your Montana mountains, fond childhood memories flooded back. You’d take me for long drives in your corvette in the Canyon, Estes Park or all over Loveland, Colorado. You were never embarrassed to be with your 8-year-old sister. I’d beg you to take me to Woolworth’s where you’d buy me some sort of trinket. Every drive we’d stop at Dairy Delight or The River House for ice cream before going home.
I’ve always looked up to you for working so hard, obtaining your goals, staying busy, remaining positive and always working on “projects”. You always lent an ear, encouraged me, put things in perspective and offered sound advice. You always seemed to have the answers and know what to say. I remember your infectious laugh making me laugh and the things we chuckled about. I love and miss you so very much.
I feel blessed to have been your sister on this earth. Selfishly I wish you were here, but I will find comfort knowing you and Mom are finally out of pain and together. I can hear you laughing together. I look forward to being with you and Mom again. Thank you for being my BIG brother. GOD BLESS YOU BIG BROTHER!
Bill Jeffers says
I meet Robert in 1979 when I married his sister Kathy thank god that didn’t last. We worked at West Shore Texaco in Loveland for many years. Robert was always the straight arrow and I was the hell raiser I think that’s why we got along so well. He was always able to track me down when he came thru Colorado and I always looked forward to are visits. Rest in peace my friend.
Anna Espelund says
Bobby was a nice brother-in-law and a uncle to our three children we’ve seen him very few times but every time we did he was always appreciative and we appreciated him coming to see us. Sending love and prayers to his wife and the rest of the family.