Kolquist, Robert.  Born 1/6/47.  Died 11/17/2023.  Bob was born in Duluth, MN to Clarence and Ruth Kolquist. He was the second son born to them because his brother was stillborn. He grew up in Duluth with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth through the Air Force ROTC program. He joined the USAF and continued on to pilot training, going on to become a KC-135 pilot.

He was first stationed in Riverside, California, where his love of cars took off with his first Corvette purchase. Also, while stationed here, he injured his back and met the love of his life, who happened to be his physical therapist, Saundra (Sandy) Ann Auchter. They were married in 1972. They then adopted Gina and Paul Shawn in 1975.

They were then stationed in England and after several years there, found out Sandy was pregnant. They transferred back to the United States to Rapid City, SD where they had their daughter, Clara.

They were then stationed in Abilene, TX where they both retired from the USAF after 20 years. Bob had started working on computers while in the USAF and it took off for him as a tech and general guru. He got his teaching certificate, became a middle school computer lit and keyboarding teacher. He was then recruited to Region 14 ESC to help educators with computers. He then moved on to several other positions in various companies.

In 1998 Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bob and Sandy both ended up retiring shortly there after to battle it together. They traveled around the country during her good times between chemo treatments. She lost her battle with the disease in 2009.

He leaves behind two daughters, Gina Miller and her husband Mike, Clara and her wife Margaux, and his son Paul Shawn. He had 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild, with another on the way.

He will be missed by all those that knew him for his goofy sense of humor, love of teaching and sharing of knowledge about computers and so many other things, his corvettes (he had 4 over the many years), and his dedication and love to family.

Posted By: Administrator - 01-23-2025
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