Robert J. "Bob" DeChandt, 65, rural Minot, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, in a Minot hospital.
Bob was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Mandan, the son of Anthony "Tony" and Marion (Smith) DeChandt. He was raised and educated in Mandan and during his younger years employed by Keller Fire Extinguishers of Bismarck.
Bob was united in marriage to Veronica Wolkerstorfer on Sept. 6, 1969, in Bismarck. They made their home in Bismarck for several years, where he was employed with K&D Towing service. They moved to Center in 1972, where he worked for the Oliver County Sheriff's Department. They moved to Steele in 1973, where he served as a chief of police. In 1978, they moved to Minot, where he worked for the Ward County Sheriff's Department until 1985, when he became self-employed as owner and operator of Bob's Towing Service and Exhaust Pros.
Bob was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Minot. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, flying his Cessna 150 & 172, along with fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.
Bob's loving family includes: wife of 39 years, Veronica; children, Michelle (Troy) Jezeski, Bismarck, Bobby (Jody) DeChandt, Minot, Mary (James) Clapper, and Nikki (Dan Bruce, both Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, Alecsis Jezeski, Mark and Jacob DeChandt and Kathryn Clapper; brothers, Tony "Dean" (Darlene) DeChandt, Pierre, S.D., Tom (Sylvia) DeChandt, San Diego; sister, Fran (Gordon) McGregor, Sparks, Nev.; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Thomas; and infant sister, Marion.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, at 11 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Today from 2 to 7 p.m., with a vigil prayer service at 7:30 p.m., in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).