Robert "Bob" Frank Toman

Robert “Bob” Toman of Brook Park passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at his home at the age of 69.

Robert Frank Toman was born January 1, 1951 to Jacob “Jack” and Agnes (Cabak) Toman in Rush City, Minnesota.  Bob grew up on his family farm enjoying farm life.  He met Sharon (Valvoda) riding the bus to school and married her, the love of his life, on August 1,1975.  Together they raised 3 kids, Paul, Allan (Al), and Christine (Sis).  They were married 45 years.  He would tell stories of her getting off the bus and shaking her ‘little ass’ and he was sold.  Another story he told was he found her pulling a rope leading a cow through the brush, found her and took her in.

Bob grew up farming and he continued into adulthood.  In high school he was in FFA and one of his prides was he won many competitions.  The big one being that he could identify meat and meat cuts.  Milking cows on a small farm for 40+ years he retired 2013.  Even if you’re sick, or there’s a blizzard outside, the cows still have to be milked.  Even after retirement he continued to assist his son Al on farming at the farm offering advice and needed support as farmers often do. 

Bob was a strong, dedicated, hard-working man.  Farmer was what he was listed as for an occupation, but he was also an engineer, mechanic, woods man, hunter, gardener, storyteller, teacher and cook.  He loved hunting and fishing and prided himself in taking his kids and grandkids with him.  Of course, he always got the biggest buck, and if it wasn’t hanging in the shed, he had it in his sights.

He was a perfect example of the leader and patriarch of his family.  He was constantly working day and night farming. He worked on tractors and equipment keeping them up and running.  His boys were by his side on farming bringing in crops, milking and fixing whatever had broken down to keep the farm going.  Later his grandkids also joined in helping with farming, and Bob gifted them with the love of animals and caring for them.  Bob was an example of a dedicated man and considered to be an expert by most on raising animals, hunting and crops.  He was truly a great resource for whatever you should need advice on.  He was always willing to share his experiences, successes and failures to anyone willing to listen.  He was wise and admired by his family for his wisdom. 

He enjoyed gardening and had a garden almost every year, either at home, at the farm or at his son, Al’s house.  He was proficient in companion planting, spacing and knowing how to tend to them to harvest.  He had canned and froze a lot of his crops and served them throughout the year.

His strength was unparalleled to the average, his kids tell stories of one time they actually saw him lift a full-grown cow.  But he was still gentle, as he would take in stray animals, feed and bring back to full health.  Neighborhood dogs, cats and even chickens would wonder in his yard and he would make sure they were fed.  Even cooking for them and giving them shelter.

Bob had said once, “I guess if I was asked if I had a hobby, it would be cooking.”  And boy could he ever cook.  His daughter would visit him often and find him good deals on food.  Never a time that you visited Bob and Sharon that they didn’t have food to eat.  No visitors would ever go hungry.  And the food is always delicious!

Grandkids describe him as someone to look up to like a roll model.  Bob loved his grandkids, each and every one of them.  He babysat them, cooked for them, took them in and guided them.  He would give them advice and teach them great lessons.  But he still let them make mistakes, but never gave up on them, still offering an open home whenever they needed it.

Bob generally had a positive attitude and would often sing songs he would make up, old songs, bohemian songs, and if he didn’t have the words a little do-ti-do-ti-do he would frequently repeat.  “Milk ‘em in the morning, milk ‘em in the evening” is one often heard, at the Toman household.  He sang while preparing food and he was really in his happy place.

We will truly miss our conversations on world events, history and life in general.  He never had a loss for words, and humor that was really adored.  His home was filled with laughter and a genuine feeling of home.

Bob and Sharon have had a long, dedicated loving relationship throughout their marriage.  They farmed together, bailed hay together, milked cows together, and were side by side through everything.  He left this world, in the most loving place that he could be, in her arms.  He will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife Sharon Toman; sons Paul Toman and Al (Jen) Toman all of Brook Park; daughter Christine (Dave) Voss of Pine City; grandchildren Brad Toman (fiancée Kelsey Eng), Leah and Lesley Toman, Josephine, Andy and Steven Toman, Vincent, Adrianna, Mirissa and Regina David, Angela and Samantha Voss; great-grandchildren Karlie and Bentley Toman, Jackson Nordrum; brother Richard (Jamie) Toman of Brook Park; nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Agnes Toman; brother Jackie Toman; sister Jean (Vern) Boeck.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at 11:00 AM; Monday, May 4, 2020. A metered gathering of family and friends will be permitted Sunday, May 3, 2020 from 2-5 PM and also one hour prior to the service all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. The interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Beroun.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com