Robert J. Sharpe, 81, Rural Shelly, MN, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, at the Sanford Health Comstock Corner Assisted Living in Hillsboro, ND.
Robert James Sharpe was born on April 18, 1941, to Jack and Helen (Gullingsrud) Sharpe and was welcomed home by his sister Sonya Kathleen.
Robert was baptized and confirmed in Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church in Shelly, MN. Over the years he continued to stay active in church by serving on the church board and singing with the Inspirations.
Robert graduated from Halstad High School in 1959 and had a short stay with the US Air Force soon after. He was discharged due to the death of his father that same year. Robert returned home to help his uncle Benneth on the farm. After Benneth’s retirement, Robert and Larry Strand farmed together for nearly 30 years also doing machine assembly and custom work for farmers. They employed nearly 1,000 men, young and old.
Robert married Maureen Mickelson on June 18, 1966, and together they had two sons, Shane and Kelly. Shane married Jennifer Borgen on January 2, 1992, and Robert received the blessings of his grandchildren, Matthew James and Abigail Patrice.
Robert enjoyed being active in many organizations over the years including, Shelly Rod and Gun Club, Shelly Livestock Association, Lions, Jaycee’s, Farmers Elevator Association, Halstad School Board, Shelly Rescue Squad, Toastmasters International, and the Halstad Boy Scouts. He also served on the Shelly Township Board, helped to build the BMX track in Shelly, and was a partner in the WIC Equipment Company working with sugar beet equipment.
The family would like to thank everyone at the Hillsboro Comstock Corner for the companionship and care Robert received.
Robert is survived by his sons, Shane (Jennifer), Fargo, ND, and Kelly, West Fargo, ND; sister, Sonya (Jerome) Knapp, Oxnard, CA; grandchildren, Matthew, and Abigail, and Robert’s loving companion for the past 15 years, Joyce Forseth.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jack; mother and stepfather, Helen and John Bakke; stepsister, Laurel Bakke Ecklund, and her husband, Ted.
Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 AM, Monday, November 14, 2022, at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church, Shelly, MN. Per Robert’s wishes, scattering of the ashes will take place at the family farm following lunch at the Shelly Senior Center.
Visitation: One hour before the celebration service at the church.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
