Robert (Bob) Francis Pladson, 78 (May 12, 1946-August 22, 2024) was born and raised (a certain amount of hell) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Son to Hale and Frances (Murphy) Pladson, Bob graduated from St. James High School where he was a gifted athlete and received a scholarship to play basketball at Mayville State. At the age of 20, Bob enlisted in the Marines and spent 3 years serving his country in Vietnam, even earning a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. In addition to the Purple Heart, Bob came home with countless stories of how a charismatic kid from North Dakota could find ways to salvage some humor in an awful situation like war. His self-published book provides some examples if anyone is interested.
Bob was never defined by any one career, but depending on the year he was a teacher, a roughneck (oil fields), property developer, newspaper publisher (The Oil Patch Dispatch), contractor, bartender, and dabbled in the import/export business. I think if he could have labeled himself as anything, he would echo John F. Kennedy, and proclaim himself a writer. Bob journaled nearly every day of his life leaving behind thousands of pages for his family and friends to laugh, cry and even argue about.
Bob married Leah Foss of Grand Forks and had two daughters (Robyn in 1970 and Anne in 1978). While Bob and Leah’s love story did not last forever, Bob named every dog he had ‘Leo.’ He wouldn’t admit it, but we all knew it wasn’t just so he “could remember their names” as he claimed, but because he never quite got Leah out of his head and heart.
Bob was smart, funny, quick-witted, and always ready to please a crowd with a good story (some even 100% true)! He was a sports fanatic, and even in his last days his hospital chart read “keep sports on” as instructions to the nursing staff.
Bob had many loves in his life, but none more so than his grandkids. As his daughter, I can say he was a pretty good dad, but as a Grandpa he found his calling. It goes to show that no matter how many mistakes you make in life, full redemption is always possible and Grandpa Bob did just that. Rest in peace, Bobby P, The Baba, Dad, Brother, Friend, and most importantly Grandpa.
Bob was proceeded in death by his father (Hale), mother (Frances), brother (John), daughter (Robyn Brusegaard), and countless friends and loved ones. He is survived by his sister (Jean (Bob) Hatlestad), brother (Bill Pladson), daughter (Anne (Jason) Cooper), grandkids (Kennedy, Logan, Alex, Sydney, and Jackson), nieces, nephews, and many friends.
An informal gathering will be held at the VFW in East Grand Forks, ND from 1-4pm on October 13, 2024.
P.S. By the power vested in me, as his surviving daughter, I pardon all those on ‘Social Probation’ without prejudice and with love.