Robert “Bob” K. Kueneman, age 85 of Devils Lake, N.D., passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo surrounded by his family.
Visitation was held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow the graveside service at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Devils Lake. The service will be livestreamed at facebook.com/stjosephchurchdvl.com
Robert Keith was born on Dec. 15, 1939, to George and Lavina (Schill) Kueneman at Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada. The family relocated to the United States and settled in the Munich area in North Dakota when Bob was just nine months old. He attended a country school and the Munich School, graduating with the Class of 1957.
Bob worked for various farmers in the Munich area until the family moved to Devils Lake in late 1957. He was employed by Pat Martin at his Gas Station and other local filling stations. In early 1962, he met Clarice Elfman while bowling at Royal Lanes. They were married on Nov. 28, 1962, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They moved to Rugby, where Bob managed an Enco Station for three years. The family moved back to Devils Lake, where they continued to grow and would permanently reside. Bob began his career working for Schwan Oil Company, where he remained for 50+ years until retiring due to health reasons in 2016. Bob provided exceptional customer service…always with a friendly smile! He had many customers who became lifelong friends.
Bob loved his family wholeheartedly, celebrating each grandchild as they were born and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest Kueneman great-grandson, Hayes Robert, who was born just two days before his death. He was a people person who enjoyed socializing with family and friends, especially playing cards with the guys at the KC Hall.
Bob was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved the Lord, his family and friends, and the Devils Lake community. He enjoyed league bowling and played basketball in high school. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with family and friends. A highlight of hunting is when he could teach his son and the younger generation to hunt…he was a pretty good shot too! He loved to watch “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” game shows, country music programs, basketball games, and NFL football on television. However, he was most proud and watched every game that Rob was refereeing on TV.
Though Bob endured many health struggles, he remained incredibly strong and determined until the time of his death. Although he is not physically by our side, his memory and love will be with us always. Rest in Peace!
Those who treasured him and survive him are his wife of 62 years, Clarice; daughters – Lori (Marlin Rude) Swenson of Devils Lake, Linda (Chris) Koth of Minnewaukan, Brenda (CJ) Ryan of Minot, and son – Rob (Kamie) Kueneman of Fargo; ten grandchildren including Michael (Kelsey) Swenson, Steven Swenson, Kayla (Justin) Hannesson, Rylee (Kate) Gefroh, Jayde (Jason) VanFleet, Casey Ryan, Jacob Ryan, Kaden (Taryn) Kueneman, Kinley Kueneman, Kendall Kueneman; six great grandchildren including Landon, Collin, and Cannyn Walter, Rosabella and Emmeline Gefroh, and Hayes Robert Kueneman; step-great grandchildren Alana Touche and Hunter, Fisher and Emily Hannesson; sisters-in law and brothers-in-law including Arlene Loken, Gary & Linda Elfman, Dianne & Don Mikkelson, Gordy & Joy Elfman, Donna & Jim Fuchs, Dwight & Sandy Elfman, Connie & Warren Swenseth; many beloved nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and special friends- Barry & Lori Schwan, Marlene Hanson & family, and Bob Schilling.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Gefroh, his parents, George & Lavina, his parents-in-law, Clarence & Helen Elfman, brothers & sisters-in-law Frank & Zella, Harold & Bonnie, George & Anna, Richard and James; sisters & brothers-in-law Catherine & Matt Weber, Shirley & Bob Ray, Rita & Dan Senger, and infant siblings, Mary and Joseph, at birth.
For those wishing to send memorials to the family, the address is: Kueneman Family, 609 West Agassiz Circle SE, Devils Lake, ND 58301
