Robert Seaver Duxstad

Robert Seaver Duxstad of Oshkosh died peacefully with family by his side on October 11, 2022 at the age of 98. A member of the Greatest Generation, Bob was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1923, to Elias and Pearl (Seaver) Duxstad of Clinton, Wisconsin. Bob’s Norwegian relatives first settled in the Clinton area in the 1860’s and he remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life.

After joining the Army in February 1943, Bob saw action in Europe with the 76th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop as a Jeep driver. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946. While studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he was introduced to Florence Tills, a UW nursing student. Bob and Florence were married on August 26, 1950 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison and relocated to Oshkosh in 1957 with three children in tow, Roy (Sue) Duxstad, Robert (Jenny) Duxstad, Jann (Jack) Seidl. when he accepted an instructor’s position at the Oshkosh Vocational School.

Over the course of the next several summers, Bob would travel by train to the University of Minnesota to obtain his Master’s degree, but was home enough that the spoiled fourth child David (Kristin) Duxstad was born in 1960. Bob would spend his entire professional career with what would become known as the Fox Valley Technical College, retiring in 1986 as its Marketing Coordinator. He was instrumental in setting up a strong real estate marketing program and had his picture taken with J.C. Penney.

Bob’s first love resulted in him and Florence enjoying 33 years together before her untimely passing in 1983. In addition to his wife and family, Bob had many loves in his life – he was an avid photographer and world traveler, trekking to China, Russia, Europe, and Scandinavia. He also loved cars, painting, and furniture restoration. He was passionate about service, both through First English Lutheran Church as well as Kiwanis. Bob also loved trains, both big and small – which extended to riding in them, driving them (once), visiting railroad museums, and collecting old Lionel toy trains.

Fiercely proud of his Norwegian heritage, Bob was active member of Sons of Norway and extensively researched his family tree back to the 1400s. He took numerous trips to Norway during his life, including taking his children and grandchildren on a heritage tour in 1993. Local lutefisk dinners were a favorite of his with the family being grateful for the spaghetti alternative that was also served. Bob enjoyed road and Amtrak trips across the United States. For the past 15 years, these trips were made with his special friend and traveling companion, Sharon Roeske.

Grandpa Duxstad will be fondly remembered by his nine grandchildren Stephanie (Tyson) Bramer, Sarah (Andrew) VandenHeuvel, Sarah (fiancé Patrick Swailes) Duxstad, James Seidl, Joe (Corie) Seidl, Lauren (Adam Pepperman) Duxstad, Kelsey (Tyler) Schmidt, Erik Duxstad, and Nick Duxstad, and his eight great-grandchildren, Will, Lewis, Evan, J.D., Leona, Isabel, Hazel, and Noah. Highlights for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren included playing with Grandpa’s train collection, helping to decorate sparse Christmas trees (also surrounded by a train), developing photos in his dark room, and trying to avoid getting their knees pinched.

He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his brothers Earl Duxstad and Lester Rivard Duxstad.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 10 am to 11 am on Monday, October 17 at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota Street, Oshkosh. A service will be held at 11:00 am. Bob’s internment will take place at the Clinton Cemetery on October 18 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Evergreen Foundation

The Duxstad family would like to express their sincere gratitude for Evergreen assisted living and Moments Hospice for their care and support of Bob during the past two years.