Robert “Bob” B.Tenneson
Robert Brian Tenneson, 76, of rural Blair, died Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall.
Robert was born February 9, 1945, in Whitehall, to Basil and Helen (Nelson) Tenneson. He grew up on a farm and learned the love of farming at a young age. After high school graduation, he worked at Caterpillar in Aurora, IL, and then briefly at Arcadia Furniture.
Robert married Lorna Bergum, August 8, 1964, at Fagernes Lutheran Church in rural Blair. Together they farmed on Lorna’s home farm and, in 1969, purchased the Nelson home farm, both of which are Century Farms.
Robert and Lorna milked cows, raised beef and cash cropped. After retiring from raising animals, they continued to cash crop, raising corn and soybeans.
Bob’s love of John Deere tractors was well known throughout the Midwest. He restored Lawrence Bergum’s 1951 John Deere A and his favorite 1969 John Deere 4020. Both tractors have been driven in many local parades. Bob, along with good friend Philip Johnson, were the founders of the local “tractor tour rides” as they are now called.
Bob loved to plan the routes for the annual Cheese Fest ride. He and Lorna would go for many drives, planning the most scenic routes they could. Bob, Philip and Vernon Back were also founders of the Blair Cheese Festival Tractor and Truck Pulls.
One of Bob’s favorite things to do was taking the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids on tractor rides or combine rides.
Bob was a member of Fagernes Lutheran Church. He served on its council and was president of the Endowment Fund. Bob was also a founding lifetime member of the Blair FFA Alumni and attended many State Conventions, supporting and promoting the Blue and Gold.
Bob received several awards, including the WAXX Radio Spring Farm Salute for Trempealeau County in 1986, Star Farmer in 1987 and Blair Cheese Fest Parade Marshal in 2009.
Bob was a district committee member representative for Riverland Energy Cooperative and held the positions of president, vice-president and treasurer of the Beaches Corner Classic Tractor Club.
Bob was chairman of the town of Preston for 14 years and served as a supervisor prior to that, always looking forward to the monthly meetings. He was involved in many local organizations and was known for his knowledge of “fixing” machinery and advised and helped many farmers in the area.
Robert is survived by his wife, Lorna; three daughters: Heidi (Rollie) Kube of Galesville, Holly (Paul) Haug of Whitehall and Paula (Wayne) Hoem of Taylor; eight grandchildren: Robert (fiancée, Chelsey) Kube, Gregory Kube, Jorgen Haug, Justin (Noelle) Haug, Kristy (Dillon) Sylla, Katie (Keith) Mosier, Nicole (Andrew) Glasspoole and Mikayla (Ryan) Quarne; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers: Harold Tenneson of Ettrick and Richard (Karen) Tenneson of Decorah, IA; a sister, Rogee (John) Berg of McFarland; a brother-in-law, Wallace Everson of Hixton; a sister-in-law, Judy (Jay) Betker of Blair; a special nephew, Matthew Betker; as well as many other nieces and nephews and a special friend, Lynn Axness.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a sister, Gloria Everson.
Bob had a heart of gold and will be missed by many. He always had time to stop and visit and make a new friend wherever he was.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
