Robert M. Welin

A Memorial Service for Robert M. Welin of Roseau, MN will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 11:00AM at First United Lutheran Church in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026 from 5-7PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Interment will take place at Hope Cemetery in Roseau, MN. 

Robert “Bob” Morris Welin, age 84, of Roseau, MN passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. 

Bob was born June 20, 1941, in Roseau, MN to Gunnar and Blenda (Hattling) Welin.  He grew up in Roseau and graduated from Roseau High School in 1959.  Prior to his senior year, he worked for Marvin Windows.  Following graduation, he moved to the San Francisco, CA area where he worked as a glass-blowing apprentice for Fairchild Semiconductor.  In 1962, he was ready to return home and farm with his father and brother Roger.  In addition to farming, he and Roger did contract welding for Polaris under the name Welin Welding from 1966 – 1970.  In 1971, Bob and Roger were ready for a new challenge and began logging in the winter months where they would cut 500 – 600 cords of pulpwood per season.  In 1986, Bob made a major career change and transitioned from farming to Polaris.  With his welding experience, he was hired as the welding supervisor and within a short time was promoted to production manager.  Bob had a rewarding 19-year career at Polaris and finished his last years as the tool and die supervisor.

Robert was united in marriage to Esther Anderson on July 18, 1964, and together they shared nearly 62 wonderful years. They were devoted partners, best friends, and the foundation of a loving family. Together they raised three children and faithfully supported them in every activity and event. For many years, Bob and Esther also served as youth group leaders, guiding young people and organizing memorable summer adventures. They shared many special experiences throughout their lives, including a meaningful trip to Sweden to honor and explore Welin family history.

In 1978, Bob and Esther built their family cabin at Sandy Shores, a place that became a treasured gathering spot for more than 40 years. There, they enjoyed relaxing, fishing, visiting with family and friends, and creating many cherished memories together. Bob especially loved time spent with his family, as well as hunting, snowmobiling, coffee and card parties, and the companionship of his beloved dog, Lucy.

Bob was very active in the community, serving on the Jadis Town Board, Farmers Coop Elevator Board, Ag Soil Conservation Committee, Moe Lutheran Church Council, Farm Home Administration Board, Northern MN Blue Grass Association Director, Roseau Lions Club, and the Roseau School Board.  Bob was a natural leader and served as the board chairman or president for five of the organizations.  In 1980 he was honored as Roseau King Agassiz.

He is survived and will be missed greatly by his wife, children: Gregg (Rachel) Welin, Sue (Scott) Vatnsdal, Karen (Elton) Brekke; grandchildren: Sarah (Christian) Sorensen, Stephanie (Waylon) Krumvieda, Shannon (Nathan) Hayes, Ben (Heather) Vatnsdal, Joe (Madison) Vatnsdal, Emily (Andrew) Allen, Jacob (fiancé Bethany Stoley) Brekke: great-grandchildren: Callie, Nora, Sophie, Sawyer, Henson, Hyla, Jonas, Greta, Ingrid, Myles, Millie, Jolie, Tillie, and Blaire, and sister Shirley Lenius.

Robert was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents, siblings: Arthur Welin, Luverne Welin, Adeline Peterson, Grace Stenseth, Irene Moore, Donna Anderson, Roger Welin, Delores Welin, and infant great-granddaughter Raegan Sather. 

Memorials preferred to: Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, First United Lutheran Church, LifeCare Health Care Fund. 

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