Robert "Bob" R. Doeden (81) passed away surrounded by family on July 6, 2023. He was born on December 27, 1941, to Fred and Anna Doeden, in Worthington, MN.

Bob grew up on the family farm and enlisted in the Air Force in 1961. He married his wife Carolyn on June 27, 1964, and she walked down the aisle to "Beautiful Savior" – the beginning of 59 years together built on a strong faith in God.

Bob received his Degree in Law Enforcement from Mankato State University and was a police officer for the Richfield Police Department for 23 years, from 1966 to 1989. As a member of the Richfield, MN, community for more than 25 years, Officer Bob Doeden became a household name. Whether he was on the road, talking to a classroom of students, leading the Police Reserves or the bicycle patrols, many across Richfield came to know him as a caring man. He was an active member of the Richfield Optimist Club, the Fourth of July Committee, and a multitude of other community activities.

In 1994, Bob and Carolyn followed a dream to own a Dairy Queen, in Storm Lake, IA. Bob never missed an opportunity to enjoy a Strawberry Blizzard at Dairy Queen, a love he shared with friends and "his three girls" – Carolyn, Robin and Jody.

Throughout his life, Bob was actively involved in church communities wherever they lived – Richfield, MN; St. Cloud, MN; Storm Lake, IA; Mesa, AZ; and most recently, Lewisville, TX. Whether as a Stephens Minister, an Elder in the church, or a member of any number of church or school committees, he wore his faith on his sleeve.

Bob's family was his pride and joy. Bob and Carolyn raised their daughters in the Lutheran faith and were actively involved in their schools, sports, and growing lives. Bob loved sports from an early age, lettering in football, wrestling and basketball during high school and college, and later in life he loved softball and golf. One of his joys was coaching countless basketball and softball teams for Robin and Jody and teaching all three of "his girls" to play golf. The Doeden family was the perfect foursome on any golf course, and with Bob as the coach, Carolyn as the cheerleader, and Robin and Jody competing, their young lives were filled with fun and laughter.

He shared a special passion with his youngest daughter, Jody – flying. When Jody decided she wanted to be a pilot, Bob also became a private pilot. Together they talked endlessly about flying and airplanes, and when Jody became a corporate pilot, Dad was among her most special passengers. One of his last events was accompanying Jody to her simulator flight within days of his death. He didn't have nearly long enough to brag but brag he did.

Bob and Carolyn relocated to Lewisville, TX, in March 2023, to be closer to Robin and Steve, and Jody and Daniel. In just a few short months, he had already enjoyed countless Sunday Pizza nights, visits to Dairy Queen, time in the pool with his grand dogs, Dublin and Doolin, a baseball game and a golf tournament. He was taken from us too quickly, but his memory and his love will live on in everyone he touched during his life.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, and his daughters and their spouses, Robin Doeden and Steve Jacobson, and Jody and Daniel Wichman. He is also survived by his siblings: JoAnn Nelsen, Richard Doeden (Darlene), Darlene Rono, and Marvin Doeden (Rhonda); sisters-in-law Karen Doeden, Cynda Tischer (Rex Powell) and brothers-in-law Darwin Priebe (Jocelyn Brown) and Rodney Priebe (Darla); and 20 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna, his brother Daryl, his mother- and father-in-law, Dwight and Ella Priebe, and brothers-in-law Ronald Priebe and James Tischer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Richfield, MN, on Saturday, August 12, 11 am – 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family share a memory of Bob that they can treasure and enjoy.