Robert Liebelt
Robert C. Liebelt had a heart of gold that stopped beating last Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. We are diminished by his passing.
Robert (Bob) Liebelt was born on September 13, 1943 to Arnold and Lucy Liebelt in Fairview, Montana. The family moved to Barnesville, MN when Bob was in the 2nd grade. As a boy, he loved fishing and trapping animals while growing up on the farm. Bob graduated from Barnesville High School in 1961. After graduation, he started working at Structural Products Inc. Bob eventually became co-owner and the name was changed to Structural Materials Inc. Bob was a successful businessman. His character, hardwork and perseverance helped build the business. Structural Materials was involved in the building of such projects as the FargoDome, local hospitals and numerous other projects around the area. Bob retired on March 1, 2012.
On March 2, 1968, Bob married the love of his life, Linda Ruud at St. James United Church in Barnesville, MN and they made their home in Moorhead, MN. Linda was a beautiful, wonderful, loving wife and partner for nearly 53 years. Bob loved her dearly. Bob’s wife and children are so grateful and honored to have been part of his life.
Bob enjoyed doing numerous projects at his lake cabin. During the last 10 years, Bob and Linda spent their winters at their home in Las Vegas, NV where Bob enjoyed giving walking tours of the sites and bright lights to family and friends. He also enjoyed classic cars and he and his brother, Dick, had a race car for several years. His family, brother and sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren were so important to him. He was also a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Bob was a big-hearted and kind husband, father and grandfather, who always had time to lend a helping hand or stop and chat. Everyone who met him would agree that Bob was a kind, generous, honest, selfless, caring funny, devoted family man that was filled with integrity and life.
Bob is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Lisa (Randy) Monson, sons Scott, Jeff, Mike (Michele) Liebelt, brother Richard (Annie) Liebelt, sisters Patty (Neil) Davis, Barbara Christianson, grandchildren Logan McKenzie, Austin (Michelle) Monson, Jasmine (Nick) Paczkowski, Colton Robert Liebelt, great-grandchildren Mallory Monson and Bentley Paczkowski, and many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Pepper. Preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Lucy, brother in laws Ray Christianson and Larry Ruud and his great-nephew Nathaniel Liebelt.
The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 5, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with a visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website.
Robert's Video Tribute can be viewed below:
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When I was in college, I worked for Structural Products Incorporated and Bob was my boss. (Over 45 years ago). Bob made an impression on me and what I can accomplish and He held me accountable for my results but gave me praise when he thought I did well. And he made work fun but knowing you had to come to work to “work”. For three years, I enjoyed his friendship and as time passed, I had asked one of his partners how Bob was doing. What a mistake! I should have called Bob and asked him myself! I want to let Bob’s family that he had always treated me fairly and with respect for what I could do. He stood up for his employees that put forth the effort in the day to day work schedule. He was respected! And NO one wanted to ever let him down! Blessed be the memory of Robert Liebelt! He was a good man! I wish I could call him and tell him how I felt.
we are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, our prayers go out to family
Linda and boys – I just visited with Bob in September before heading south. We planned an extended conversation after you got down south. Bob was always available to help anyone out – at any hour of any day and he helped me countless times over the 50 years I’ve known him. What a kind, generous and wonderful man. What a huge loss for your family and all of us who’ve had the pleasure to know Bob. Heaven will be a better place with him.
You are in my prayers and thoughts during this time Linda. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Linda, Scott, Jeff, and Mike, All my sympathies are with you.
Bob you were my brother n law for 45+ yrs. you were always inviting me to the lake. last spring you said to buy a camper and come on down to the lake. So I did. I came down the end of June and did not go home till late October. You and I got to spend 4 months of quality retirement time together and became good buds. You got me hooked on lake life. Your hospitality and friendship meant the most to me. Spending the summer with you at the lake was the best of my 12 yrs of retirement. Summer is gone, time to take the docks out and say goodbye for the winter. The winter has brought change. My dear friend words cannot express how I feel. You will be missed. Till we meet again.
Thanks for the memories,
Save Me a spot on the lake,
Peace, Rick
Sorry to hear that Bob passed away! He always had a smile and something quick witted to say! Hugs to Linda and kids.. he will be missed! Sharon Davis
Dear Linda and family: I remember when Bob was hired at Structural Products some 60 years ago. We had good times together, at work and the World of Concrete. It wasn’t all work at SPI. There was “horseshoes, pingpong and pool” during the noon hour. And yes, he was generous and set a good work ethic for the rest of us. My condolences to you, Linda, and the rest of the family.
Chuck Wells
Bob was not only my coworker and partner he was my friend. Myself Chuck 𝖶ells and Bob go back so many years in our work world. We all have wonderful memories of our times at Structural. Bob will be missed by many.
Sympathy to Bob’s family.
I got to know Bob when I began working with his son, Scott back in 1994. I always appreciated his kind works, his directness, and sense of humor.
When a time came that Scott, myself and another guy had a chance to break off and start our own company, Bob was very helpful and supportive and stood behind us, lending advice and support. I will always remember how much I respected him after learning how hard he worked and the perseverance he had to end up buying into and eventually owning Structural Materials. He was a self made man, a proud and supportive father and husband and was proud and defending of his family.
Safe travels Bob, as you made an important impression on me and were certainly a driving and supportive man to your family!
My dearest sympathies to your family…
I always enjoyed my conversations with Bob.
Linda and Family. During the years I worked with Bob at SPI, I was witness to what a special person he was. After leaving, I continued to stop and visit with him at SPI until he retired. Then about 5 years ago he and Linda stopped to visit us at our home in Ottertail. Since then we continued to stay in contact. He was always willing to share what he owned, as well as his extensive knowledge. I had many things I was going to ask him for advice on, but now it will have to wait. Mary and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family. Bob left this earth much too soon.
I worked for Bob at Structural, I believe he was a positive force for me in my life! I worked in the construction industry in the area for 30 plus years and would talk to Bob every chance I could. My condolences to the family I know he will be missed!
I remember Bob entering Elementary School (didn’t know it was 2nd Grade) at the time
Always thought of Bob as a friend, had an easy laugh and was always ready for some fun.
Rest In Peace, Bob
Dick Lien Class of 61 BHS
Our Deepest Sympathy at Bob’s passing. He was a great guy that will be missed by all who knew him. May your memories of his loving & caring ways, as well as the fun & funny times, sustain you in the days & weeks to come. Love & Blessings, Edward & Mary Jean Ernst
What an inspiration. I am proud to have been a high school classmate of Bob’s (Barnesville Class of 1961). May the family find solace in their many wonderful memories.
Linda and Family, Our deepest condolences go out to you all…Bob has been a dear friend since the 2nd grade..We shared many good times through the years ..Breakfast on Sundays, Back to the 50’s, even did our physicals together at Mayo. Due to my own heart issues , doctor didn’t recommend travel otherwise I would love to be there with you today. Rest In Peace Dear friend till meet again….Dennis and Jeanette
My thoughts and prayers to Linda and the family during this difficult time.
Linda and boys, It was a very nice service. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers!
Rest in peace uncle Bob
A good man was put to rest today. I enjoyed working with over the years. He had some great stories from the past and present. I was always excited to hear the shenanigans he had been up to after retirement. Always busy with something, a hard working man. Truly blessed to have to met this character and call him a friend. Going to miss you Bobby!!