Robert Strack
Robert “Bob” Strack, age 89, passed away Saturday, June 10, at Eventide Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.
Bob was born to Howard and Eleanor Strack on November 7, 1927 in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Fargo Central High School and became involved in the bowling business shortly thereafter when he joined his father full time as a co-manager of the Fargo Sports Center. On May 5, 1951, Bob married Mavis Johnson at Tolna Lutheran Church. Thereafter they made Fargo their home, residing at One Oak Place the last 5 years. They were married for 66 years and blessed with three children; Debra, Bruce, and Brian.
Bob had a long and distinguished career in the bowling industry. In 1960, Bob and his father built the former Town and Country Lanes in Moorhead, MN. Along with managing the bowling center he served in numerous positions in the bowling industry including: President of the North Dakota State Junior Bowling Association from 1980 to 1986 and then as a director from 1987 until 1997:, was appointed to the North Dakota Committee for the National Junior Bowling Championship in 1982:, served as an officer and director on the Fargo Moorhead Junior Bowling Association for 26 years until 1990:, past President of the Fargo-Moorhead Bowling Proprietors Association and then as executive director of both the North and South Dakota Bowling Proprietors Associations:, executive director for the North Dakota B.P.A. subsidiary “The Charitable Bowling Council” and was elected to the North Dakota Bowling Hall of Fame in 1992.
Bob and Mavis owned a cabin on Leaf Lake, MN for 30 years. He enjoyed spending his summers with the family at the lake and his specialty was creating treasure hunts for the grandkids. He is also well-known for his one-liners, such as “take your time going, but hurry back” and when serving up ice cream, he asked do you want “plain, white or vanilla”.
Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Mavis, daughter Debra (Michael) McDonald, sons Bruce (Brenda Grindberg) Strack and Brian Strack; grandchildren include Eric and Lindsey Nordback, Orlando, FL; Kelli McDonald of Fargo, ND; Todd and Alyssa McDonald of St. Paul, MN; Samara and Tucker Strack of Fargo, ND; One sister Joy Bragg and her three children of Minneapolis, MN.
The family would like to thank the staff at Eventide on 32nd for their wonderful care of Bob during his time there.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: will be at 10:30am, Wednesday, June 14 with a visitation one hour prior to services at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.
To the Strack family, you have our sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of Bob. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Mike and Carmen Nordback
Mavis and family,
My sincere sympathies are with you and your family. I always loved my visits with Bob. He truly was dedicated to and had a passion for bowling. Hard to find someone who matches him. Definitely taught me a lot. May Bob rest in peace!
Bob will be missed by all the many friends he made over his life. Bless this man for the examples of good things he shared his whole life. Always there to help and guide over the years. Mavis and family, may the good lord be with you all at his time. God bless Bob and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Strack Clan. I enjoyed working with Bob regarding bowling topics in general. You never had to wonder where you stood when working with Bob on any project. I respect Bob and Mavis more than I can put into words. Best wishes.
Mavis,
I knew Bob for many years in the bowling industry. I always missed not having Bob at our meetings when he retired. He taught all of the bowling proprietors a lot about the game of bowling. He was a part of all the bowling proprietors families. My wife Lois, enjoyed talking to Bob at many of the Jamborees and conventions. Like Bob would always say, ” We run a First Class Operation Here” and he always did and we will miss him. I have many memories of Bob and will never forget him.
Brian,
My condolences on the loss of your father. Losing a parent is a hard life event. Focus on the good memories.
I am sorry for your loss. I spent many hours at Town and Country lanes and it brings back many happy memories!! Gods peace at this sad time.
My thoughts & prayers are with you, Mavis as well as to Debbie & her family.
May God be with all of you at this hard time. Losing a husband & or father is so hard.
Sorry Mavis and family that I WAS ABLE TO BE THERE FOR THE SERVICES I WILL BE IN TOUCH WHEN I GET BACK HOME loveDarlene