Robert Tiegen

Robert Eric Tiegen, age 92, of Baxter and formerly of Leader died Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Northern Lakes Senior Living in Baxter surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Robert will be laid to rest with his loving wife Virginia in the Swan Valley Parish Cemetery.

Robert was born on November 9, 1927 in Lakota, North Dakota to Erick and Magdalena (Guthmueller) Tiegen. As a child Robert enjoyed listening to Jack Benny and “Golden Gopher” football on the radio and reading the “funny books” in his dad’s drugstore. He is a 1945 graduate of Lakota High School, earning the nickname “Ace.” Following high school graduation, Robert enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps (ASTRP) at the age of 17; he was humbled that ASTRP was willing to send him to South Dakota State College from 1945 – 1946. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1946 – 1947. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Robert started summer school courses at the University of Southern California in 1947. He took two years of pre-dental classes and was accepted into the University of Southern California’s School of Dentistry, graduating in 1954. He began his practice in Los Angeles (1954), moving to Oceanside, CA in 1956; specializing in Children’s Dentistry. He married the love of his life Virginia Burchfield on December 26, 1954. The couple later moved to Leader, MN to start the family farm. Robert held various positions in Leader: Byron Township council, Swan Valley Lutheran Church and Cemetery boards.  He was a Director of Crow Wing Power Co-op from 1985 – 1997.

Robert was a devoted husband, father, and friend to many.  He was a life-long Christian and often described his life as “remarkable.” He enjoyed playing golf, watching college football on TV, carpentry, farming, gardening, landscaping, playing cards, and singing. Robert loved his family beyond words and had a great sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his children, Anita Embree of Baxter, Dinah (Glen) Sundberg of Baxter, Louisa Tiegen of Pequot Lakes, Eric (Laura) Tiegen of Houma, LA; grandchildren, Bo, Lisa, Jonathan, Spencer, James, Jesse; step grandchildren, Stephan, Brandi, Nikki; nine great grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia; sons, Stewart and Elliot “Lars” Tiegen; siblings, Evelyn, Lloyd, LuWanna, and Donna.

Robert’s family would like to thank Knute Nelson Hospice Care and Northern Lakes Senior Living for their care, comfort, and compassion for Robert.

Memorials are preferred.