Robert Allen Grest, age 71, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 19, 2013 after a courageous 15 year battle with Lewy Body Dementia at Hudson Hospital with his family by his side.

Robert was born on April 7, 1941 to Alfred and Kathryn Grest in Little Falls, MN. His family lived in Little Falls before moving to Richfield, MN, where Robert graduated from Richfield High School in 1959. He served in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963. He completed the Basic Medical Specialist Course in the Air Force in 1960. Bob completed Minneapolis Vo-Tech training in 1967 and became a journeyman carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners Union in Minneapolis. Robert was a skilled craftsman for more than 40 years, working in residential and commercial construction until his retirement. Robert was married to Barbara Enger from 1965 to 1988. With Barbara’s children, Lorraine, Terry, and Dawn, they made their home in Richfield. Bob and Barbara’s daughter, Cheryl was born in 1967. In 1992, Robert married Jan Johnson. They retired in Wisconsin. Bob’s health rapidly deteriorated when he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 1998. Jan was his primary caregiver before he was admitted to the American Heritage Care Center in 2006. Bob endured years of different therapies to alleviate a host of medical issues. Through it all, however, he remained a man of quiet dignity and compassion. In the last few years of his life, he became very fragile. Bob was dear to all who knew him and has left behind many unforgettable memories and moments we will treasure.

He loved his family, classic cars, classy shiny pickups, fishing and camping, and enjoyed traveling throughout the country.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Grest; nephew, John Dalager; niece, Debbie Culhane; and brothers-in-law, Dick Grassman and Dwight Bastyr.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jan; mother, Kathryn Jackson; sisters, Karen Grassman and Janis Bastyr; children, Cheryl Grest, Lorraine (Dan) Wilkie, Terry Enger, Dawn Enger (Scott Sorenson), Jill (Peter) Hilpisch, and Kirk (Katie) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Dean (Terry) Anderson and Barry (Laurie) Anderson. Robert was “Grandpa Bob” to his grandchildren: Jessica Enger, Noah, Tyler, Adam, and Kevin Hilpisch and Winter, Russell, Allene, Rex, and Jesse Johnson. He will also be remembered by his lifelong friend Roger (Gayle) Dalager, along with aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on January 23, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at church. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

The family would like to send special thanks to the staff at American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, WI, and to Hudson Hospital physicians, nurses, and staff for their kindness, compassion, and loving care.