Robert ‘Bob’ Lee Soiseth peacefully passed away on Friday, December 28th, 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Bob was born in Cathay, North Dakota on February 27th, 1945 to John and Mildred (Boese) Soiseth. He was raised in Flaxton, North Dakota along with his six siblings Myron, Dorothy, James, Roger, Judy, and George.
On September 11th, 1963 Bob married his better half, Judie, or “Annie” as he liked to call her. After they were married, Bob worked for Long Construction, a road construction company. After years of travel on the road, Long Construction took Bob and Judie to Colstrip, Montana where he was hired on at Western Energy Coal Mine and have called it home for the last 47 years. Bob retired from the mine in 2007.
In January of 1971, Bob and Judie welcomed their only son, Jayson. Bob was proudest when Jayson followed in his footsteps by working at the mine and along side of him for the family business. They could always be found working on a job together.
Soiseth & Son Construction was one of Bob’s greatest accomplishments. He was as hard working as they come. He loved operating equipment and could always be found on a job. He knew how to operate equipment like the back of his hand, and was instrumental in teaching the trade to many. Bob loved to drive around Colstrip with his family to show all of the different jobs he had completed for people of the community. He took pride in every job he finished. One of his most memorable and honorable jobs he ever completed was the foundation work for his church, St. Margret Mary Parish.
At home, Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was notorious for starting water fights every chance he got with his nieces and grandchildren. Bedtime stories were also one of his fortes. He would often tell of his childhood and the many hunting adventures. A favorite story was the time he had got sprayed by a skunk and his mom made him bury his clothes. In the summers, Bob enjoyed many camping trips with Erlene and Steve. Steve can attest to the many stories of the fun times they enjoyed together. He never took himself or life too seriously. Bob had a contagious belly laugh that was sure to put a smile on whomever was around.
Bob devoted time to God by teaching his grandchildren stories of the bible, prayers, and also what it means to be a devoted Christian. He had a strong faith and without a doubt knew that someday he would have an eternal home in heaven.
An example of how selfless Bob was is one time while walking on the beach in California he noticed a homeless man sitting without any shoes. Without hesitation, Bob stopped and offered the man the sandals off of his feet. A selfless act that left a lasting impression on each of his grandkids. He was the gold standard of a role model.
Surviving Robert is his wife of 55 years, Judie; son; Jayson (Donna) Soiseth; grandchildren, Malarie (Joseph) Micheletti, Jamie Soiseth, Krystan (Keoni Sr.) Kalama and Bailey Soiseth; one great grandson, Keoni Kalama Jr.; brothers, Myron and George; sister; Judy (Cliff) Emmel; sister-in-laws, Della Soiseth (Benge) and Della Soiseth, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Robert is preceded in death by parents, John and Mildred Soiseth; mother-in-law, Mabel Carpentier; father-in-law, Earl Carpentier; brothers, James and Roger; sister, Dorothy; brother-in-laws, Joey Carpentier, Harvey Lunstad; sister-in-laws, Kay Altringer and Virginia Soiseth.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 3, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Thursday January 3, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday January 4, 2019
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59038
Rite of Committal
11:00 AM
Saturday January 5, 2019
Holy Cross Cemetery
1601 Mullowney Lane
Billings, Montana 59101
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 3, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Thursday January 3, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday January 4, 2019
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59038
Rite of Committal
11:00 AM
Saturday January 5, 2019
Holy Cross Cemetery
1601 Mullowney Lane
Billings, Montana 59101
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Shelly Holum says
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Boni and Gary Eernisse says
Judie and Family,
We are saddened for your loss, but we rejoice in Bob’s gain. Prayers continue for strength and peace that surpasses our understanding.
george &pat riedel says
Judie and family, so sorry about Bob’s passing. he was such a nice man and he will be missed.
Duane and Sue Allred says
We are thinking and praying for you and your family. May peace and comfort find you at this time.
Dave and Mary Jensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Michelle Perlick says
Judy, Jayson, Donna, and family
We are so very sore to here this! We will be praying for you during this difficult and sad time.
Burt Medicine Bull says
Our heartfelt condolences from Kitty, Kali n myself.
Bonnie Dickisn says
My thoughts and prayers are with all your family
Jeff Bilharz says
Thoughts & prayers to all the family! Bob was a great man an I will always remember all the great times we had!
Tanya Ludwig says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family at this time of loss.
Dale and Rochelle Green says
Our deepest sympathy. Praying for all of your family during this difficult time.
Diane Janisko says
Dear Judie,
I just saw this on FB and I am so sad for you. I too have gone through this and my heart aches for you.
May you find peace in the memories and God’s comfort at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Janisko says
Dearest Judie,
I just saw this on FB and I am so sad for you. I have gone through this and understand the heartache you are going through.
May you find comfort in the memories and in God’s comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Lu Shomate says
Dear Judie and Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you and comfort you at this time!
Doug Goodheart says
Judy, Jayson and family- so proud to have been a friend and will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Debbie and Doug Skiles says
Judy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you and sending prayers!
Scott and Jodie Aberle says
Jayson,Donna,Judy and family, Thinking of you all in this sad time . Bob was a special neighbor and a great friend we will all miss him . But we do have some happy memories and will always cherish his friendship.
Tom & Robin Shahan says
Judie and Jason, we are so sorry for your loss!🙏
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
My deepest condolences to all of you, such a wonderful man, I’m glad I got to know him💜💜💜💜
James D. Jr. & Ann King says
Our deepest condolences to the family… May you find comfort….
Bill and Laurie Neumiller says
Praying for God’s comfort for you and family, Judy. Bob meant a lot to this community and he will be missed. So sad for your loss… Our sincere sympathies.
God bless you all.
Marilyn and Lyle Dorn says
Holding the Soiseth family up in prayer. So Sorry for your loss.
Rex & Jamie Willis says
So very sorry, you all will be in our thoughts……
Mearl DeTienne says
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, He was one swell fellow, and a Great Guy to work with. Mearl DeTienne Billings Mt.
Michael Gustafson says
Judie and family…sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, our prayers are with you.
Michael Gustafson
Willowa Heppner Ankeny says
Judy, Jayson, Donna and family my heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time. Bob was a very caring and friendly member of the community who will be truly missed. Hugs and prayers.
Bonnie and Wayne Walch says
So sorry Jason and your mom. You all are in our prayers
Duane and Jane McPherson says
So sorry about your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bo & Gary Lyon says
We are so sorry for your loss! Our hearts go out to you all. Prayers for the whole Soiseth family. May Bob RIP.
Miles Jasper says
My condolences to the Soiseth family… My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa Coker says
Remembering Uncle Bob with fond memories / Dad was telling us wonderful stories about the fun & hard work the families shared together when I was young.
Our deepest sympathy is with the family during this difficult time – we will be praying for y’all. 🙏🙏💔
Lorin and Naomi Finnicum says
Judy and family. Our sympathy’s go out to you. So sorry to hear this.
Charles DeCock says
Thoughts and prayers going out to the Soiseth families.
Mick McConnell says
I am so sorry, my heart goes out to the whole Soiseth family; Judy, Jason, Donna, and the grand children. Bob was a genuine friend and I loved him for his honest and decent ways. We had so many good memories and adventures.
Mike & Shelly Wayne says
Bob was always such a nice guy. Genuinely kind and never without a smile. Sorry for your loss, Soiseth Family.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Bob will truly be missed. He always had me laughing. He was such a funny man with a huge heart. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Terri Brown says
I am saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. May your memories of him live in your heart forever.
Charlie and Terri Brown
Patty and Russ Dunn says
Judie and Family we are so very sorry for your loss of Bob. He was an important part of Colstrip’s history. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Cole says
Judy and family. I just heard of Bob’s passing.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May you find comfort in the Love of all your friends and family.
Sincerest sympathy. 🙏🏻❤️
Dave and Janne Johnson says
We are so sorry to here of Bobs passing. Our prayers are with you. God bless you and comfort you in this time of loss.
June Ganser says
So, so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Yes, he sure did have a big part of building Colstrip. He was a great guy and neighbor. Always brought the grand kids up to top of my yard for their sled ride. Boy, could they go.! I still can hear them say, lets do it again, Grandpa and they did. R.I.P. old neighbor.
Richard Nash says
I just got word that Bob passed , so sorry to hear that,he was my room mate here at the nursing home for a short time. and a good man. I will miss him. To Judy, if you get down this way, stop and see me, room 32.
Bob & Mary Ann Whitehead says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Soiseth Family
Mr. & Mrs. Keenan Aberle says
Our deepest condolences, from the Aberle Family.
Doryld and Audrey Watson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers of comfort and peace for all your family. 🙏
Jeff and Debi Benson says
Judy, Jason and families:
It was always a good day with Bob around, on or off the job. I am ever grateful for his friendship. Our prayers are with you. Wonderful memories.
Jeff and Debi
Mary Dillon says
Dear Judie, Jason and families
I was so terribly saddened to hear about Bob passing. He was one of the finest people that we had the opportunity to know. He was such a good friend of Deans and we came well acquainted. After Dean and Dennis’s accident Bob was so helpful. He did lots of digging and work for for us–He moved our trailer home. Bob and Jason even helped me clean up the huge can pile that I endeavored to do as my grief therapy after Dean and Dennis were killed.. My kids loved Bob , and they loved his teasing. I remember commenting to him one day about how he rolled his long extension cord so perfectly. He laughed hard and told me that Dean had commented to him about the same thing!!. My love and prayers for all of you. Your family is so special to us.
Mary Dillon
Jolyn Dillon Haber
Leanne Crippen says
Dear Judie and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this time. Your family is very special and one of the kindest Ive ever met; I pray God helps you and provides comfort.
Leanne Crippen
Del and Sharon Dinstel says
Judy, Jayson, Donna and Family —
Bob touched each of us with his kindness, great humor and strong work ethic. Bob always took time to visit with us. Del really enjoyed working with Bob and valued that time together. He said, “Bob was a lot of Fun!!!” Bob, also, helped Del build his airplane hanger in Colstrip. May your good memories help sustain you. Prayers of Peace & Healing for All of You.
Ingrid says
Our heartfelt Condolences to you Judie,Jayson and Family from David Ingrid and Family here and Germany!
Marilyn Boese says
DEAR JUDIE AND FAMILY;
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BOB’S PASSING. NOW HE AND HIS GOOD BUDDY RICHARD CAN PLAY CATCH UP
AND CONTINUE WITH THE GOOD TIMES. BOB WAS ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS WE WERE BLESSED TO CALL OUR
FRIEND. THERE ARE NO WHEEL CHAIRS, WALKERS, CRUTCHES NOR ILLNESSES WHERE THEY ARE NOW.
GOD’S BLESSINGS ON ALL HE LEFT BEHIND.
Bob & Diane Henriksen says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Irene and Ken Nelson says
Sending love and prayers for comfort for your family. Bob was so kind and friendly. I needed some soil for a flower bed and he not only dropped it off but helped me spread it. I think he would have planted it also if I let him. He stopped by later to see how the flowerbed looked. Bob just cared about people. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
RaeDeen Weinberger says
Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many good memories of our Portal days. Hold tight to your memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Lambert says
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to all of Bob’s family. Death is the hardest thing we have to deal with in life. I know my words can’t change anything and can do little to ease the pain you are feeling, so I pray that the God of comfort calm your hearts and help you heal. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17) One way that God comforts us today is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. For the Bible’s answers to questions about grief and death please visit JW.org.
Andrita Harris says
Jayson, Donna So sorry to hear about your lose. Prayers are with the whole family and with Jamie
God bless prayers I am sending.
if you ever need to talk will be here. It is had too lose a world greatest DAD
If you need to talk call me Andrita Harris class of 1987 477-8532
Vern Ganser says
Soiseth Family Am very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. He was a good friend and a great guy. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Vern Ganser
LA says
Dear Family, I send you my heartfelt condolence on the loss of your dear family member. May John 5:28,29 truly strengthen you to reflect on God’s promises to bring back to life your dear loved one to a beautified earth where she can be reunited with her family, and never have to get sick and die, ever again. (Psalm 37:11,29; Isaiah 33:24)
Colin says
Out of everything since being grown,
I’ve missed my Unc’ Bob…
Full belly laughter, selflessness, and the pride to laugh with others at your own mistakes.
That’s how I remember the giant in a cowboy hat.!
Wish we could’ve spoke again but,
I’ll find you again just as I did as child in sea of others and know you were my friend.
Wishing you all the best you can and hoping your copping as I remember he would’ve.
Love you big man!
Mike & Paula Childers says
We were sad to hear the news of Bob’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Dewing says
So sorry Judie and family. I just heard about Bob’s passing. I have many fond memories of Bob when he and Dean were “cattle ranchers” along the Billings frontage road. Prayers for all of you.