Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Robert “Bob” Backman
Robert “Bob” Jon Backman, age 65, of New Rockford, ND passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at CHI St Alexius Health, Carrington, ND after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer.
Bob was born February 24, 1958, at the City Hospital in New Rockford, the son of Don and Gerda Backman. He attended school at New Rockford Central School and throughout his high school years was involved with 4-H, FFA, band, and Rocket Football where he earned the nickname “Stacks” because getting through him was like getting through a haystack, impossible! He graduated from NRHS in 1976, then attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston in 1979. After graduation, Bob returned to New Rockford and took over the family dairy farm after his dad fell ill. Bob married Debbie Reis in September of 1981 and together they had two children, Amanda and Neil. They raised their family and operated the dairy farm until 1997 when Bob started working at Dakota Growers Pasta Plant in Carrington. He worked there as a machine operator until his retirement in 2020.
Bob was a devoted father and grandfather and loved growing up and raising his family on the farm east of New Rockford. One of his favorite times was calving season. He took great joy in seeing the baby calves run in the pasture and then bringing them to the yard for bottle feeding. There also may have been a time or two when a sick baby calf ended up in the back of the pickup or even in the bathtub. He also loved watching Minnesota Twins baseball along with Bison and Vikings football. Bob took a yearly bus trip with the Farmers Union to watch a Vikings game at the Metrodome for many years. No matter if the Vikings won or lost, he enjoyed his short vacation from the farm. Bob took enjoyment in a yearly mini vacation to Lake Sakakawea where he would hire a fishing guide and take Amanda and Neil walleye fishing in the summer.
For many years Bob was an active member of the St. John’s Catholic Church and more recently the First Congregational Church that he had grown up attending. Bob served as treasurer for the Nystrom Cemetery for many years, was a member of the New Rockford Eagles Club, and also served on the Tiffany township board.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Lucas) Croegaert of Bismarck; son, Neil Backman of New Rockford; sister, Lorraine (Chuck) LeBlanc of Grand Forks; two grandsons, Trace and Toby Croegaert, and a niece and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Gerda; his sister, Gail Klumph; and a brother-in-law, Alfred Klumph.
Bob’s Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30AM all at the First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.
His Burial will be at the Nystrom Cemetery, Sheyenne, ND.
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Elaine and I are both saddened by the news of Bobby’s passing. Our prayers are for peace and comfort that passes all understanding for the Backman family
Bobby was a special person, always kind, considerate and friendly. We will miss him, but rejoice knowing he is walking the streets of gold in Heaven today
Bob,
You are such a good guy with Beautiful Children & Grandchildren who LoVe ❤️ you! You will be so missed by your family & friends! … We look forward to seeing you again in Heaven one day soon … this world 🌎 is not our home & we are just passing through
🌻🌻🌻
Lyle & Cheri
Was in to see Bob last night while my mom was resting. Talked with him a bit said I would come back today. Today came and now he is out of pain. God took a sweet gentle man. God Bless you all.
I worked at Dakota Growers for many years with Bob. I’ve never met a better person than him. He always had time to talk to everyone and made it a better day, every day.
Bob became one of my closest friends and I can truly say I am a better person just for having known him.
He was very proud of his kids and talked about them often. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
The battle is over, Rest in Peace my Friend!
Best Wishes to Neil and Amanda.
My condolences to Bobs family. He was always a very nice man when I’d see him at class reunions. Rest in peace.
Prayers to Bob’s family. Memories of Bob’s smile and kindness will remain.
Fly High Bob!🙏
Rest in peace Bob. You were a good friend. My condolences to your family.
Sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I worked with Bob at the Pasta plant for many years, he was always kind and easy going. I will always remember his smile and his laugh,the day was always better when I visited with Bob. R.I.P. 🙏🙏🙏 To Bob’s family.
Rest in peace my friend 😔!
I am so sorry to hear of this. I went to school with Bob in New Rockford. He was so kind and friendly to everyone. I remember him as always happy. I am so sad for his family. Cancer is awful. Rest in peace.
I am so sorry to Bob’s family at his passing. I’m sure that he in peace and joy with our Heavenly Father.
Bob known as Bobby Backman then… was confirmed at The First Congregational Church in New Rockford, where my dad Rev. Henry Vieth, was pastor. I was confirmed with him and he was in my class in school.
He was very quiet and always very kind. He will be missed!
Sending thoughts and prayers to Bob’s family. He was a great classmate, so very nice to everyone. He will greatly be missed. Rest in peace.
I remember Bob’s kind words to me when my dad died. That’s the way Bob was. Good luck finding anyone on Earth with a bigger heart than him. 🌧️
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was a great guy who I respected very much. God Bless you sir!!!
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, Rich worked with him at Dakota Growers and really thought highly of him, I met him many times in town with Rich… he always had a smile!
Was saddened to hear of Bob‘s passing. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family. He was a very quiet guy, but very kind and helpful to anyone at any time. May you rest in peace Bob
Prayers for Bob’s family. Bob was always so nice and friendly to everyone.
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a very special person and friend and always stopped to visit when we work both worked at Dakota Growers. Prayers and blessings to his family. Rest in peace Bob.
To Bob’s family and friends (which is anyone who walked by him and said Hi, he was their friend. In our years of knowing him, which were not enough, he was a very kind and gentle man. He would always stop and visit with everyone and I will miss those days at the store. Bob was one of a kind and we are proud to call him a friend! Don’t be a stranger Neil, here’s a big hug from us (((((((hug))))))).
Bob was a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with Neil, Amanda, the family and also friends, as his life is celebrated during this difficult time.
Saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. As so many have said, I remember him as a gentle giant! Such a nice guy! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God be with you all!
Dan and I send our sincerest condolences for the passing of your beloved father. I hope you and yours find comfort in the faces of his beautiful grandchildren he held close to his heart.
Bob was such a kind a genuine man. sending condolences to Bob’s family.
I worked with Bob at Dakota Grower’s Pasta. It was always nice to talk with Bob! Usually had a smile and didn’t let too much bother him. Thoughts and prayers to his family!
I will never forget our crazy nights at Pizza ranch! omg the breadsticks LOL. rip buddy gone to soon.