Robert Appert

Robert (Bob) John Appert, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away suddenly from an aortic dissection on January 20, 2022. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and being loved by him.

Bob was born in Duluth, Minn., on June 12, 1946, to Ann and Robert. After his father’s passing at a very young age, Bob was raised by his strong and hardworking mother on the East side of St. Paul with his younger siblings, John and Mary Ann, a childhood that shaped every aspect of the family-centric, hardworking, full life he lived.

A proud “East Sider,” he attended Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hill High School, the University of St. Thomas and William Mitchell College of Law. He practiced law for 50 years, helping people during their times of need with compassion and humility.

Bob loved his family more than anything. He adored his wife, was so proud of his kids and delighted in experiencing life all over again through his grandkids. He was everyone’s biggest supporter, shared in all their successes and never believed a failure was permanent. He was fiercely loyal, believed his kids and grandkids were capable of anything they put their mind to, and would do everything he could to support their endeavors. He called his kids daily to check in, hear about work, celebrate wins big and small, and listen to the day’s challenges. He never ended a conversation without saying “I love you.”

He was also the best friend. It took him three questions to find something in common with anyone he met, and he made everyone he knew feel special.

Bob loved his house on Big Carnelian and his family cabin in Wisconsin. He loved sitting on the dock watching sunsets, throwing a fishing line in the water, watching the loons feed their babies and the eagles soar high above. He was always trying to get one more thing done, but wouldn’t miss an opportunity to slow down to enjoy all the beauty and peace the world had to offer. He was constantly in awe.

Bob never left something to tomorrow that could be done today. He was a lifelong learner – aircraft pilot, certified Coast Guard Captain, sailing captain, avid reader, inquisitive explorer and skilled handyman. He loved adventure. Whether sailing, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing or skiing, he would take on any challenge and added something special to every experience. He was incredibly funny and never let the truth ruin a good story.

He gave back in many ways, including working at Legal Aid; volunteering in the community at a local family shelter, the Dorothy Day Center and Habitat for Humanity; and teaching firearm safety – and he was always quick to recruit others to join him. He cared about the earth, his community and wanted the world to be a better place for future generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Jean Powers Appert; his five children Heather Appert, Robert (Joey) Appert III, Eliza (Colin) Chlebeck, Jack Appert and Tommy (Lindsey) Appert; his grandchildren Alexa, Lena, Lily, Izzy, Bobby, Ford, Wells and Crew; his sister Mary Ann (Tom) Montgomery, and brother John (Julie) Appert; many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

He loved life. He lived the best life, and he’s gone too soon.

A service to honor Bob will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Marine on St. Croix. A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at The Loft at Studio J in Stillwater from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Out of respect for the family, for the safety of all in attendance, and to honor Bob’s longstanding belief in modern medicine, the family requests that attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a negative COVID test within 24 hours of the events. Those unable to attend in person can contact Christ Lutheran Church for information on how to join the service virtually.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in Bob's honor to the Wild River Conservancy or Dorothy Day Center.