Obituary: Robert Backman

Robert Backman

New Rockford, N.D.

Robert "Bob" Jon Backman, age 65, of New Rockford, N.D. passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at CHI St Alexius Health, Carrington, N.D. after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer.

Bob's visitation was Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Mindy Meier, all at the First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.

Special music was provided by violinist Kerstin Allmaras and pianist Joann Leichtman, along with soloists Katie Allmaras and Hallie Brown. Hymns included "Here I Am, Lord" and "In the Sweet By and By." Pallbearers were Dave Fleming, Kevin Schaefer, Dennis Rimmereid, Bob Nihill, Jake Whitten and Jamie Allmaras. Honorary bearers were Robert's grandchildren, Trace Croegaert and Toby Croegaert.

His burial will be at the Nystrom Cemetery, Sheyenne, N.D.

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.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford and Carrington, N.D.