It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Robert (Bob) Clifford Carter. Bob entered eternal rest on Monday, November 13, 2023, at his home in Wadena. He was 78 years old and was surrounded by his loving family and the care of Knute Nelson Hospice. Funeral Mass was held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Bluegrass, Minn., (rural Sebeka, Minn.) with Fr. Aaron Kuhn officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard of Minneapolis, Minn. Urn Bearers were Bob’s grandchildren: Madeline Bauer, Kolby Kiser, Morgen Bauer, Gavin Kiser, Olivia Delly, Parker Kiser, Emmett Delly, and Zoe Kiser. Honorary Urn Bearers were Bob’s Zerkel Deer Camp Family. Bob was laid to rest at St. Hubert Catholic Cemetery, Bluegrass, Minn.

Bob was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Frances and Clifford Carter on July 27, 1945.  He attended St. Kevin’s Catholic School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1963.  After graduation, he joined the Navy and served as a Hydraulic Technician in Norfolk, Va., where he met Martha. Bob and Martha married on October 8, 1966; they lived in Norfolk until December 1967 when they moved to Minnesota.  They raised their four children, Greg, Michelle, Katie, and Laura in New York Mills, where they bonded with many families who shared the love of sports and the outdoors.

As empty nesters, Bob and Martha moved to Alexandria, Minn, to enjoy lake life.  During this time, they welcomed sons-in-law, Greg Bauer, Reggie Kiser, and Matt Delly, along with their grandchildren, the Crazy Eights: Madeline, Kolby, Morgen, Gavin, Olivia, Parker, Emmett, and Zoe.  Bob was over the moon when the house was filled with the laughter and chaos of family time.

The professional journey for Bob was marked by a successful career in sales and marketing. His dedication and charisma left an indelible mark on all who worked alongside him.  In his retirement years, he and Martha were realtors in Alexandria, Minn.

Bob’s magnetic personality drew people in, and his interest in sharing stories is legendary. His pastimes include reading, fishing, boating, hunting, and snowmobiling.  At the top of his list was time spent at Zerkel Deer Camp with friends and family. His adventurous spirit and work took him on unforgettable journeys to Ireland, Denmark, Japan, and Puerto Rico. One special highlight was Bob and Martha’s trip to Italy, India, and Dubai. They also enjoyed annual trips to visit family in Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia. 

May Bob Carter’s legacy inspire us to approach life with the same humor, passion, kindness, and adventurous spirit that defined his journey.  He is justice, joy, love, faith, and forgiveness.  He is a perfect Minnesota day with clear skies, grilled food, campfires, laughter, and late nights.  His spirit lives in each of us.

Robert (Bob) Carter is preceded in death by many loved ones: son, Greg Carter; parents, Frances and Clifford Carter; in-laws, Paul and Helen Barker, John and June Barker, and loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Surviving Bob is his wife, Martha, and their children: Michelle (Greg) Bauer, Katie (Matt) Delly and Laura (Reggie) Kiser; Grandchildren: Madeline and Morgen Bauer, Olivia and Emmett Delly, and Kolby, Gavin, Parker and Zoe Kiser; siblings: Gayle Swandby, John Carter, Theresa Carter, Mark Carter, Barbara (Jeff) Ralph, Kevin Carter, and Michael Carter; in-laws: Paul (Joan) Barker, and Robert (Maureen) Barker and many loved family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Knute Nelson Hospice, 420 12 Avenue East, Alexandria, MN, 56308.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Bob’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena.