Reverend Doctor Robert Theodore Almquist, 92, Barnum, passed away peacefully in Essentia Health – Moose Lake on Thursday, December 29th, 2022. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 16th, 1930 to Theodore and Elsie (Fay) Almquist.

Throughout the 1930's and 1940's, Bob's family lived on dairy farms in Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and Anoka where his father worked as a herdsman. Bob was a 1948 graduate of Anoka High School and after graduation was hired as an assembler for DW Onan and Sons and was eventually drafted into the Army Signal Corp, serving in Okinawa 1952-54. He began his education at The University of Minnesota from 1964 - 1967. He met Sandra (Sandy) Landahl through mutual friends and the rest was history: the two married on September 3rd, 1966 in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from the U of M, Bob attended Drake Seminary for a short while before transferring and earning both his Master's and Doctorate of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Bob served several United Methodist Churches in Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. His specialty was new church development and revitalization. In retirement Bob took up wood-carving and was well known for his beautiful birds and Dala horses. Bob loved to travel with his wife, Sandy, and they enjoyed numerous trips and camping adventures over their many years together. Bob was a caring and compassionate man with a tremendous sense of humor. He loved to laugh and was extremely organized - he could also see the positive and light in every situation. Bob devoted his life to ministry and will be deeply missed for his empathetic and loving ways.

Churches (Parishes) Served
Macksburg, IA
Stanton, KY
Owenton, KY
Arlington, MN
St. Paul, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Plymouth, MN
Orr, MN (Crane Lake & Kabetogama)
Salem, NH
Gorham, NH

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Elsie; former wife, Gayle; infant son, Thomas; siblings, Earl (Marlene), George,
Beth (Gordy), and Dan (Maxine); and brother-in-law, Harold Schmidt.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandy; sister-in-law Mavis Schmidt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to honor Bob's life will be held January 13th at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Lake United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food shelf or favorite charity.

Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home