Vandermey, Robert “Bob”, Age 84, of Delano, formerly St. Paul and Genola, MN. Preceded in death by wife, Cathy; son Richard; daughter-in-law Nita; parents Peter and Anna (Neibauer) Vandermey; brother, John and sisters, Cecelia, Rosemary and Loretta. Survived by children Terry Michik, Joe, Jan and John (Lesley Goddin) Vandermey; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Rose Mason and Julie Pepin; cousins, friends and caregivers.

Both St. Paul natives, Bob and Cathy moved their family to Delano in November 1963 after Bob became the General Manger of ACP, Inc. in Dassel. ACP (now Industrial Louvers) moved offices to Delano a few years later. Bob became very active in the Delano community almost immediately. He joined the Delano American Legion Post #377 and served as it’s Commander of the post for a term. He joined the Delano Lions Club in 1967 which lead him to also join the Clown Club for several years. He was proud to serve his community at all events and worked together with other Clubs nationwide in his tenure earning many service awards including the Lions International Presidents Award in 1987-88 and The Lions Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow award in 1999. Bob had attended the Dale Carnegie Sales and Leadership Training courses in 1961 while living in St. Paul and joined the Toastmasters in the 1970s. Bob served on the Selective Service Board of Wright County from 1968-1972 and served on the Delano Power Commission for a few years beginning in 1988. Bob enjoyed many years of snowmobiling around Delano with family and friends; annual deer hunting trips to Wyoming and in Minn. with friends, sons and nephews, Moose hunting with nephews, goose hunting and fishing in Canada, as well as throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

In 1976, Bob and Cathy moved from Delano after purchasing a tavern in Genola, a small town near Pierz, MN. Bob transferred his Lions membership to the Pierz club and set to building community. The Genola Bar sponsored many successful softball teams and, together with fellow businessmen in the area, formed the Genola Athletic Club. The Pierz Lions Club helped kick off the development of the Genola Memorial Park. The flagpole in the park was donated by Bob and Cathy in the memory of their son, Rick, who died in a car accident in 1978.

Bob and Cathy moved back to Delano in 1983 resuming their roles within the community. Bob was part of spearheading the development of the Delano Industrial Park, having served on many committees. After relocating back to Delano, Bob found the best job of his life. He became a broker of manufacturing equipment working with Naab Sales out of Hopkins. He traveled around several states brokering sales with many businesses, making friends along the way. He had many regrets about retiring and missed the contacts he had with his colleagues.

After several illnesses, Bob was admitted to the Golding Living Center in Delano where he eventually became a permanent resident. After finding his way through the changes, he became a stalwart figure within his new community. He thoroughly enjoyed the visits from the school kids, and they loved him. He seemed to be a magnet for them as they were drawn to “Bob with the hat” and sought him out when they arrived. It was noticeable to them when his illness took a turn and he became more withdrawn and not able to communicate with them. We wish to extend our hearts in gratitude to the caring and loving staff of Golden Living Center, without whom the last nearly 7 years would have been impossible for him. He was able to be his wise-cracking and humorous self with all members of the staff. We know that as Bob’s health changed, they grieved along with our family. Their loving support will be cherished and missed.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Delano. Interment with military honors will be at Ft. Snelling Nationall Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.