Robert Vakoc

Robert "Bob, Happy Brush" Vakoc , Sr. passed away March 7, 2014 at Altru Hospital surrounded by his family. Robert James Vakoc , Sr. was born to George and Ethel (Iverson) Vakoc on September 15, 1936 in Grand Forks, N.D. He attended school in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. After his time in the service he worked for Blacks Sign Company and Melberg Advertising Business. On August 16, 1958, Bob married Shirley Johanson at First Methodist Church. Bob later started his own sign painting business, Sioux Land Advertising Art in 1963 in which his wife Shirley was bookkeeper for. Bob was self employed from 1963 until retirement in 2007. Bob was known for lettering doors and windows of businesses, truck lettering, highway billboards, and also lettering the ice at the UND Hockey Arena. Bob was a member of the VFW Post 3817 and the American Legion Club Post 157. His hobbies included gardening, cooking, fishing, golfing, camping at Lake Ida and working on paintings that surround his home. He will be greatly missed by his family for his sense of humor and artistic gift. Bob is survived by his wife Shirley , Grand Forks; son Rob (Becky) Vakoc, East Grand Forks, MN; daughter, Cheri (John) Koch , Fargo; sister, MaryEllen (Bill) Holland, Rayville, Louisiana ; and stepbrother, Alan (Linda) Jordhiem, Larimore, ND; Grandchildren include Nic (Olivia) , Alec (Michelle), Elliot, Bekah and Johnny; Great Grandchildren Brendan and Lennon. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks. Interment will be at a later date in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. Online guestbook is available at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com.