Robert Arthur Prellwitz

Robert Arthur Prellwitz was born on June 28, 1939, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Arthur and Beatrice (Shackelton) Prellwitz. He grew up in the Taunton area, where he attended country school and Minneota High School. He married Betty Leese on August 17, 1957, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. They lived in the Minneota area. The couple recently celebrated their milestone 50-year wedding anniversary. Robert farmed with his father and later worked several years for Dwire Construction. In 1972, he created Prellwitz Tiling & Backhoe Service. Robert owned the business, operating it with his son, Robert Jr. His reputation as an expert backhoe equipment operator was well-known. He enjoyed competing at horse shows (keyhole, pole bending and barrel racing). He also enjoyed competing as a member of the Prellwitz Tiling Bowling Team. One of Robert’s favorite passions was the special weekend set aside each year for deer-hunting with his children and grandchildren. More than a sport or pastime, it was a treasured tradition with family. Robert was a fan of country-western music. Brooks & Dunn were his favorite singers. He was honored to be invited to their ranch in Nashville, TN, which he visited in 2001. Robert died on September 18, 2008, at the Hendricks Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Minneota, sons Robert (and wife Brenda) OF Minneota, Marty (and wife Heidi) of Weatherford, TX, and Owen (and wife Denise) of Marshall; five grandchildren Jeremy, Nicole, Brandon, Jordan and Gavin; his “German Grandchild,” foreign exchange student Pit Weber; sister Marjorie (and brother-in-law Roy) Popowski of Wilno, and his cat Sassy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leslie, sister-in-law Marilyn and one grandson (unnamed). Over the years, many of Robert’s customers and friends overwhelmingly shared a similar sentiment about him: “Bob enjoyed working and always did it well!”