Robert Leroy "Bobby" Setterlund, of Show Low, Navajo County, Ariz., passed away surrounded by his loving family, Aug. 6, 2012, at his home in Show Low. He was 80.
Bobby was born to Mauritz and Helen (Johnson) Setterlund on May 30, 1932, in Powers Lake, Burke County, N.D.
Bobby was a successful rancher/farmer and owned the Flying L Ranch in Battleview, N.D., where he spent many long days tending to the cattle and the crops. Ranching was his life and he loved the hard work and peacefulness he felt while on the ranch. He would always tell his family, "You could tell you were a successful rancher and farmer if you left the land better then you found it." Bobby never measured his success by how much money he made but by the land he kept.
He always had a wonderful smile on his face and would help anyone with anything. He was always caring for his neighbors' cattle and helping them with any fence work or repairs on any of their machinery and buildings. Bobby also worked in the oil fields for a brief time and was skilled at a multitude of carpentry work. He served on the Battleview Township Board in Battleview, N.D., where he met many friends.
Bobby married the love of his life, Joyce Smith, on April 29, 1951, in Beach, N.D., and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years together. They were avid dancers and enjoyed the fellowship that was made at many of the dances they attended. Bobby was easy to dance with and did so up until last year, when his health began to decline.
He is survived by: his wife, Joyce, of Show Low, Ariz.; daughters, Sherry Baker (Barry) of Kiowa, Colo., and Susan Wagley (Steve), of Duncan, Ariz.; grandchildren, Sheila Morgan, Melissa Sams, Justin Van Berkom, Tonia Cox and Joshiwa Weinmann; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Tyler Morgan, Casey, Zoey and Dakota Weinmann, Cash Sams, and Keagan Cox; brother, Earl Setterlund, of Mandan, N.D.; sister, Mildred Skredsvig, of Downey, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Grace Moberg.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Battleview, N.D.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign the online guest book, visit the mortuary website at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.