Robert (Bob) Michael Mallory

Robert (Bob) Mallory, 94 passed away at home with his family by his side on January 5, 2025. Bob was born on December 22, 1930 to William and Irma (Bachman) Mallory.

Bob lived in Belville, Illinois until 1944. That year his father bought Ottertail Point Resort on Leech Lake and moved his family to northern Minnesota. He attended Brainerd High School and graduated in 1948. Upon graduation he moved to Walker where he worked with his father at Ottertail Point Resort and at Ottertail Sporting Goods.

On September 20, 1952, he married Rita Loehrer.

In 1953 Bob was drafted into the Army and served as acting Sargeant Major for 2 years at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He then moved his family back to Walker. He worked for Alto Construction before starting his own business out of his home. In 1969 he built “Mallory Plumbing and Heating” on the edge of Walker. His mom, Irma (Pete) and his wife Rita, worked alongside him to expand his business.

After the death of his wife Rita, he sold the business and did some traveling- including a boat trip down the Mississippi with his brother, Bill and nephew, Steve.

In 1984 he met and married Shirley Helm.

In 1985 Bob owned and worked at Walker Sewer & Excavating. Ultimately, he sold it to son-in-law, Paul. He continued to stay active and work until he was 80 years old.

Bob & Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending winters in the south

Bob loved northern Minnesota. He was proud of his community and country. He worked hard to make an impact on the things that mattered to him. He was humble, kind, direct, witty, honest, quick to smile, knowledgeable about local, state and national happenings. He was a charter member of the Walker Jaycees, member of the Walker Clinic Board, Park Rapids St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, Shingobee Township Board and served on the State Plumbing Board.

Bob enjoyed sports and took any opportunity to watch his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participating in various events.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley. Daughters, Judy (Paul) Tabaka, Peggy Tupper, Patty (Michael) Bushard. “Bonus” children Doug (Janelle) Helm, Cheryl Helm, Jane (Jeff) Blawat. 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Bob is Preceded in death by his parents, Wiliam and Irma Mallory; Brother, William Mallory; First wife, Rita (Loeher) Mallory; son- in- laws Dave Fevolod and Kent Tupper.

A Funeral Service for Bob will begin at 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, with a visitation two hours prior, all to be held at Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Pastor Dave Mork will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by Walker American Legion Post # 134 Honor Guard. Interment will immediately follow his service in Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, MN, with a luncheon following at Walker American Legion Post # 134.

The family has requested that Memorials be donated to the charity of your choice.

Bob’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert (Bob) Michael Mallory, please visit our floral store.