Robert John “Bob” Dorn was born October 7, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN to William and Eva (Devine) Dorn.  As his father was a baker during the Great Depression, during his early life the family lived in several northern Minnesota and South Dakota communities, eventually settling in Pierre, SD.  Robert graduated from Pierre High School in 1948, then joined his father in Luverne, Minnesota in 1948.  Here he met Dorothy Frank.  After serving in the United States Army from 1951 through 1953, Bob and Dorothy were married in Luverne on June 12, 1954.  They lived for several years in the Twin Cities where he graduated from Dunwoody Institute in 1956 as a Tool and Die Maker.
The couple returned to Luverne in January 1957 and have lived in Dorothy’s family home ever since.  Robert worked for Raven Industries, A.R. Wood Manufacturing Company, Luverne Truck Equipment, and Sudenga Industries. He was known for singing at special occasions such as funerals and weddings, and was active in the United Methodist Church choir.  He loved reading, music, gardening, and solving problems with creative constructions of wood and metal.  He was known for commuting by bicycle before that was popular.
Robert was active on the Board of the Blue Mound Area Theatre and did maintenance on the Palace Theatre building. He served on Boards of the United Methodist Church, the Luverne Airport, and the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Luverne.  Robert was a current member and Past Master of Ben Franklin Lodge 114 AF&AM, Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, and was a member of the Commandery of Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons, and the York Rite College.
Robert Dorn died on Monday, June 23, 2014, at the age of 85.  Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; son Michael Dorn and daughter-in-law Marianne Hageman of Little Canada, MN; daughter Marilee Markkanen Dorn of Spicer, MN; daughter Marcia Dorn and son-in-law Les Honfi of Cody, WY; granddaughter Eleanor M.H. Dorn and grandsons Mitchel and Milyn D. Markkanen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kathleen and Allen Gibbs and special cousins in South Dakota; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Richard Dorn, sisters Ruth Cook and Ruby Thomas, and infant daughters Mary and Melissa.  
May our memories of him bring inspiration and comfort.

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