Robert Lee Stelzer

Robert Lee Stelzer, born September 11, 1960, in Wadena to Arthur and Helen Stelzer, lived a life as full and colorful as the stories he loved to tell. A graduate of Wadena High School’s Class of 1978, Robert was blessed to find—and marry—the true love of his life, Rita Martodam, on September 10, 1982. Together they built a family, a home, and countless adventures.

Bob was a salesman through and through. He had the gift of persuasion, the kind of charm that could sell anything to anyone—usually for far more than it was worth—and make you laugh about it afterward. He also poured his heart (and a lot of concrete) into his career. Known to many as “Captain Concrete,” Bob built a reputation for hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship.

But Bob was far more than his work. He was a collector of treasures and tales, an outdoorsman with a love for camping, ice fishing, sapping, and gardening. He enjoyed the simple joys of canning and baking, as well as the wide-open road, often setting off in one of his two camper vans with Rita and his loyal dog by his side. He cherished long drives to visit friends and family, quiet hours at “the shack,” lazy afternoons pontooning, and swapping stories that seemed too good to be true (but were always told with a twinkle in his eye).

Above all, Bob was devoted to his family. He was the proud dad of Amy (Paul) Jacobson and Eric (Alexa) Stelzer, and the deeply loved grandpa of Owen and Reed Jacobson and Ian and Grant Stelzer. His kids and grandkids were the pride of his life, and every moment with them was a gift he treasured deeply.

Bob’s life was one of love, laughter, hard work, and unforgettable adventures. He leaves behind Rita, his beloved wife of 43 years, and countless best friends, along with family and friends who will forever carry his stories, his humor, and his love in their hearts. His legacy will live on in the warmth of his family, the tales he told, and the foundations—both literal and figurative—that he built.

A celebration of Bob will be held this Saturday, October 4, 2pm at the Shack (29800 137th Street, Frazee, MN). No formal attire, please. Come in your favorite crocs, shorts and Hawaiian shirt!  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Marshmallow Foundation, which is where Bob found his last two dogs named Buddy, or make a significant donation to your local watering hole.