Robert E. Ferguson son of Clarence Ferguson and Celestine Ferguson (Gorr) Strom was born on May 24, 1949 in Miles City, Montana. He grew up in the Miles City area and graduated with the class of 1967. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy where he worked on board ship as an electrician, as well as fighting for his country in Vietnam. He met the love of his life Mary Maassen in the Chicago O’Hare International Airport while on his way home for leave. Upon his discharge from the service he worked for the telephone company in Fort Dodge Iowa. Bob and Mary were married in Avoca Iowa, at Trinity Lutheran Church on November 11, 1972.
After marriage he attended South Dakota State University in Brookings South Dakota, to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Structural Engineering. Once graduated he and Mary moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to work with an engineering firm. Soon after they adopted two girls. His job took him to Michigan, Arizona, and finally to Minnesota where he was able to start his own company Engineering Enterprises Incorporated. Bob retired in 2012 and in 2014 he fulfilled his dream of purchasing a lake home. Bob loved to be on the water, his favorite pastime was fishing with his daughter, son-law and five grandchildren. He loved traveling in their RV all over the country. Nothing made him happier than blowing the air horn at small cars or to signal his arrival in Missouri to visit the grand kids. One of his biggest delights was teasing and aggravating each and everyone of them, sneaking cookies to them when their mom said no, or giving them cases of soda to hide under their beds. Bob’s eldest grandson Cameron was his partner in crime. They were attached at the hip and always up to something, whether that be fishing, working in the shop, or spending “grandma’s money”. He was active in ship reunions with fellow shipmates and friends from his time in the Navy. Above all Bob had an immense love for living and for family.
Bob passed away on Tuesday January 19, 2021 at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Ferguson, an Infant sister, and his Father and Mother in-law Francis and Ione Maassen. He is survived by his wife Mary Ferguson of Annandale, MN, daughter and son in-law Rebecca and Eric Wiersma of Rolla, MO, Grandchildren; Cameron Gisch of St. Paul Park, MN, Scarlett, Landon, Maassen, and Maverick Wiersma of Rolla, MO, Mother and Stepfather Keith and Celestine Strom of Miles City, MT, Brothers; Tony (Cindy) Ferguson of Thompson Falls, MT, Paul (Yolanda) Ferguson of Miles City, MT, Donald (Vicky) Ferguson of Elko, NV, Sister in-law Peggy (Jeff) Fell of Deer Creek, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Thursday January 28, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Thursday January 28, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Bobbi Durst Askin says
So sad to hear about Bob. I have known him most of my life and boy did we have some fun times. I remember him coming with us to his brother Paul’s and my junior high dance. Even though he was older, he took the time to dance with me and a few others. Was so happy I got to spend a couple of hours at the Miles City KOA when he and his wife came through to visit this past summer. We had the best visit. Going to miss you Bob, you were one in a million. Love you and love the entire Ferguson family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol and Arnie Sampson says
Mary and family, accept our sympathy and prayers at this sad time of your life. We enjoyed visiting with Bob at class reunions in Iowa.. May God bring you comfort.
Ruben and June Opp says
Mary& family,Sally,Keith Paul& family,Tony & family,Don & family,Our most sincere condolences to all of you as our other family we are so sorry to see the news of Bob’s passing,so glad we got to see and visit with him a few years ago when they were back in Miles City. May God bless and comfort you all at this difficult time of laying your loved one to rest. Our love and prayers go with you all
Love Ruben,June,Ron and Steve Opp
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Celestine & Keith, Paul & Yolanda and all of Bob’s family-
I’m am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a classmate of my sister, Darlene’s and I remember him as a real nice guy. May your memories comfort you all in this sad time.
Vicki ( Counts ) McLean-Baird says
Paul & family; So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. May you find comfort in God’s Grace. Know that Bob’s assignment here on earth was done & he was called home to rest & watch over the rest of you, until he is called for another assignment. Ma condolences.
Neal & Darlene Ferguson says
Bob will be missed, he and Mary have been at all the recent Ferguson cousin’s reunions. We will miss his stories, his oversized smile and laugh, his love of family near and far. No matter how close of a relative they were, he embraced everyone as if they were brothers or sisters. Rest peacefully our brother of the tartan and save a dram of whisky for us when we get there.
Kaye Rainey Taylor says
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s death. I lost touch with him a few years after high school and wondered how he was. I am happy to hear his life was full of friends and family. May God grant you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Karen Benediktson says
It was a privilege to have known you by way of Ferguson cousin gatherings. Your sense of fun and unconditional inclusion was such a gift. I’ll miss the witty repartee and encouragement to share derpy dog stories on Facebook.
Love & comfort to those who are hurting now.
Karen [Ferguson/LaBrant] Benediktson
Mike Archdale says
Sorry to hear the passing of Bob. Our friendship dates from our days as seventh grade students. I was looking forward to visiting with Bob at the reunion this summer. Now all my memories of Bob are all that more valuable now.
Kurt Cadlo says
Paul and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God bless you and yours. Kurt Cadlo
Antonia Klein says
Sending sincere condolences to Bob’s family. My prayers are with you in your time of loss. It was a good day in the neighborhood when the Ferguson family moved to the house by the alley midway between Atlantic and Yellowstone. Wandering over from Yellowstone I enjoyed hanging out with them. There are many things etched in my mind, but the big ones were Bob’s smile, endless needling, and pranks. Once he brought out the stilts they had made and watching the boys manipulate those things as they walked in the alley was a sight to behold. Gone, but never forgotten. The pleasure of being a part of Bob’s life for a short time was a blessing.
When Death’s dark stream I ferry o’er,
A time that surely shall come;
In Heaven itself I’ll ask no more
Than just a Highland welcome.
Robert Burns
Ann M Knapp says
Uncle Bob,
You passed down humor, love, patience, and kindness. You loved with your whole heart unconditionally. You laughed with your whole belly and we all knew you were up to no good. You were always patient with all of us especially when all of kids were together. Your strengths will live on with each of us. Your brothers all have a piece of you that they gave to each of kids and your daughter Becca my cousin/sister will have all the memories to smile at with the grandbabies. We have all been blessed by you!!! Till we meet again, Love you!
Ann Knapp