Robert Unruh

Robert Unruh, 85, of Motley, MN and formerly of Fargo, ND, Jamestown, ND, and Colorado Springs, CO, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, while in hospice care at Harmony House in Motley, MN.

Robert was born July 18, 1931 in Wishek, ND, to Christine Schilling and Christian Unruh. He grew up on his family’s farm in Wishek. He entered the U.S. Army July 22, 1950 at Fargo, ND. He was discharged July 21, 1953 at Camp Carson, CO, 10th Mountain Division with the rank of PFC.

He met his wife, Esther, when he returned to North Dakota after serving in the Korean War. Robert was an auto body technician, sang in his church choir, and volunteered with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

He was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Atonement Lutheran Church in Jamestown and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs.

He is survived by his son, Mark Unruh (Cyndi) of Motley, MN; daughter, Marsha Unruh (McNeil) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Marla Smith (Tim) of Rockford, IL; son, Marty Unruh of Colorado Springs, CO; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sisters Ida Wanner, Kathy Melarvie, Barbara Nolan; and brothers Bill, Harvey, Dwayne, and Ronnie Unruh.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Esther; his parents; his brothers Art, Gene, Grant, and Dan; his sisters, Esther Aipperspach and Edna Feagan; and his son-in-law, Lewis McNeil.