Robert "Bob" James Somerville

Bob Somerville, of Monticello, the city he loved and served.

Bob, age 78, five days short of 79, passed away peacefully in St. Cloud on April 30, 2026.

He was born to parents Derwin M. and Lillian (Avery) Somerville in Brainerd on May 5, 1947. He graduated from Brainerd High School with the Class of 1965. He then attended Staples Vo-Tech for Mechanical Tool Design for three years. He worked at various manufacturing facilities in engineering.

He participated in drag racing while going to college and after with his AMC Rambler from 1968 to 1970.

After college he moved to Anoka and then Monticello where he had lived on River Street since 1974.

When his girls were young, he contributed many hours and supplies for their Girl Scout Projects. He even captained a trip with 7 girls in an RV to Canada.

Bob had a great love for travel and achieved the great feat of visiting 49 states and most of Canada either by car or RV. The only state he missed out on was Hawaii as Bob did not like to fly.

Bob’s hobbies included golfing, bowling, photography, hunting, slow-pitch softball, fishing most of his life with many of you, and watching all Minnesota sports teams.

After his daughters Betsy and Katie grew up and moved on, Bob and Val had more time on their hands and focused on arts and crafts shows with their love of photography. Bob always had a camera in his hand throughout his life. He was a 25 year member and volunteer of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce where he had received the Ambassador of the Year. He also devoted 25 years to Art in the Park in Monticello.

Bob participated in the prestigious Birkebeiner cross country ski race twice, which entails skiing for 34 miles! He also participated in the Vassloppet USA International Cross-Country Ski Race in Mora, MN. He also established a ski club in Monticello which he proudly named the Knickerkickers.  

After his granddaughter Kenzie was born, he found a new passion to dress up as Santa. Many of you know him as “Santa Bob”. He loved his annual Santa picture with Kenzie every year of her life.

Some of Bob’s accomplishments were winning and painting cars in the demolition derbies, winning the Minneapolis Aquatennial Commodore Award, and helping run the local photography club and show every year.

He was preceded in death by his parents Derwin and Lillian Somerville; and wife Val.

Survived by daughters Betsy (Brian) McCooley and Katie (Nick) Strand; granddaughter Kenzie; brother Gary (Terry) Somerville; and 1 niece, 1 nephew, other relatives, and many friends.

A party in honor of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16 with visitation from 1-4 PM and service at 4 PM at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel. An additional party on Bob’s behalf will be held at the Monticello VFW at a later date. Watch for more information.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred in Bob’s name to the Monticello Help Center by using the link below. 

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