Robert Pope

Robert Pope of Hinckley, MN (formerly of Montgomery, MN) passed away on October 14, 2024, while in hospice care at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.

Robert was born on September 24, 1948, in the New Prague Hospital to Melvin and Emma (Svoboda) Pope of Montgomery, MN.

Bob attended Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School for 8 years and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1966. He was an altar boy and a Scout as a young boy, and he played baseball and football throughout his school days. In and around Montgomery, Bob was surrounded with family and friends. He spent summers helping out on the Svoboda family farms and held seasonal jobs at the Green Giant Cannery where his father Melvin worked.

He attended St. Cloud State College beginning in 1966. He served in the US Army beginning in February 1969, as a field communications specialist with the 6th Battalion 11th Artillery in Duc Pho, South Vietnam from July 1969 until September 1970. He returned to college at St Cloud State, finishing his degree and beginning his lifelong career as a corrections officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St.Cloud.

Bob married his wife Sue on January 22, 1983, becoming a devoted husband to her and a caring stepfather to Josh and Anna Richardson. Bob and Sue raised their family together in Sauk Rapids.

Bob retired in 2001, moving to Cloverdale with Sue in 2006. Life in the country suited them well, where they were close to many members of Sue’s family. They spent time traveling with their camper and motorcycle, hosting family gatherings, babysitting grandkids and granddogs, and enjoying the beauty of their rural property and the abundant wildlife surrounding them.

Bob especially enjoyed ice fishing with friends for quality bluegills and driving around the countryside on his Harleys. He spent countless hours exploring his atlases and plat books. Bob loved pheasant hunting with his Labrador retrievers Magnum and Minnie, and later in life, relaxing in the country with dachshund Maggie. He was an extremely loyal Twins fan and loved watching baseball, football and other sports. He had an uncanny ability to remember baseball statistics, records and trivia. He excelled at card games, especially whist, euchre and cribbage. His poker skills brought him prosperity during his stay in Vietnam and at college.

He was a proud grandfather to Scarlett and Raymond Muir and loved spending time with family. He was a caring brother to his younger sister Karen and a dear uncle to his niece Michelle and to many nieces and nephews in the Frye family.

Bob had a way of connecting with people, finding out where they were from and who they knew in common. He always found a way to make the world seem smaller. He made a point to stay in touch with many dear friends from high school, college, the Army, and from the St. Cloud Correctional Facility. He loved to return home to Montgomery to reconnect with family and friends, especially during Kolacky Days.

Bob handled his health struggles with grace and acceptance. He dealt with rheumatoid arthritis for many years and prostate cancer in 2002. His cancer returned in 2023. After spinal surgery in March 2024, he spent the last months of his life at the St. Cloud VA in hospice with his family by his side. While there, he developed many friendships with the staff and other veterans. His immediate family is thankful for the compassionate care he received from the staff of Building 49-1.

Bob lived a good and honest life, and found strength and comfort in his Catholic faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Emma Pope, and brother-in-law Marvin Walmsley.

Bob is survived by his wife Sue (Frye) Pope; stepson Josh Richardson and daughter-in-law Jennie Kalpin; stepdaughter Anna Richardson and son-in-law Cory Muir, grandchildren Scarlett and Ray; sister Karen Walmsley, and niece Michelle Koster.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hinckley, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Luncheon will be served in the church hall immediately following the service.