Robert P. Asfeld

Robert P. Asfeld, 83, Beardsley, MN, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Grace Home in Graceville, MN.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville with Father John Paul Knopik officiating. Music will be provided by organist Deb Needham and vocalist Pat Needham.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Eggers Funeral Home Facebook page.

Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Beardsley. Pallbearers will be Daniel Donnay, Paul Asfeld, Adam Asfeld, Mike Hiedeman, Josh Pietruszewski, Jared Nelson, and Andrew Bowman.

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue Tuesday morning one hour prior to the service.  The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt, SD, is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Peter Asfeld was born on August 14, 1938, to Frank and Mary (Muellner) Asfeld in Maine Prairie Township, Stearns County, MN. Growing up, Robert helped on the family farm. In his spare time, he enjoyed roller skating and dancing. In 1955, he joined the Army Reserve and trained at Camp McCoy in Monroe County, WI.  He graduated from Kimball, MN, High School on May 20, 1957. On September 27, 1957, Robert joined active duty and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Company B of the Third Battalion, Third Training Regiment. Later he was stationed at Fort Ord, CA. On April 3, he returned to the Army Reserve to finish his eight-year program.

Robert married Kathryn Holker on June 24, 1961. They moved to Beardsley in 1963 and in 1964 they moved to his farm in Arthur Township where he bought and built up his farming operation raising cattle and hogs and growing corn and soybeans.  In 1960 he started custom combining. Robert began going south custom combining in 1978 and continued until his health declined. He combined in Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Canada. In 1998 Ox (Marthinus Koekember) joined the operation and continues today. Over the years, Robert designed and built many trailers including snowmobile, header and combine trailers. He also constructed numerous farm buildings.

Robert married Marlene Nemec on May 7, 2011, in Beardsley.  He loved to stay busy. Snowmobiling and playing cards (especially Solo) were his favorite pastimes.  He also enjoyed traveling and meeting new people.

Survivors include his seven children, RoseAnn (Jeff) Donnay of Wilmot, SD, Edward (Michelle) Asfeld of Fleming, CO, David (Michele) Asfeld of Chokio, MN, Carol (Ed) Hiedeman of Beardsley, Christine (Jon) Pietruszewski of Kennedy, MN, Rita (Larry) Bergh of Wallace, SD, and Diane (Ryan) Bowman of Hollandale, MN; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Leo, Ludwig, and Clarence; sisters, Isabelle Simpson and Avon Vossen; sisters-in-law, Lilas Asfeld, Bernice Asfeld, Betty Asfeld, Arlene Asfeld, and Lue Cramer; brother-in-law, Phil Vossen; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary; granddaughter, Ashley Nelson; brothers, George, Norbert, and Phillip; sister, Bernice Larson; brothers-in-law, Leroy Larson and Ralph Simpson; and sister-in-law, Gerri Asfeld.