Bob grew up in Bremen, North Dakota, and enrolled as a freshman at Oak Grove. He was an avid athlete competing in cross country, basketball and track. He had an outstanding career in track and won the state mile as a junior. After graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Army where he continued his track career, representing the Seventh Army competing in Europe. Upon discharge, Bob enrolled at Mayville State University and pursued a teaching and coaching degree. He holds numerous track records and was inducted into MSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. Bob taught and coached for 34 years in the Grand Forks Public Schools. In 1999, he received the North Dakota Junior High Coach of the Year in Track and Field Award. He also served as the head started for North Dakota state track meets for over 20 years and was presented the Award of Merit in 1994 for service to state track and field meets.