Robert "Rob" Vakoc, Jr.

Robert “Rob” James Vakoc Jr. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on September 28, 2019.

Rob was born in Fargo, North Dakota on July 25, 1969. Parents Bob and Shirley (Johanson) Vakoc and sister Cheri brought Rob home to Grand Forks on August 28, 1969. Rob attended school in Grand Forks, including Red River High School. Following graduation, Rob attended Northwest Technical College for truck driving.

Rob worked alongside his Dad at Sioux Land Advertising…Art in his junior high and high school years. It was there that he learned to paint, but mostly enjoyed the shop for working on cars and gathering with friends. He worked briefly for Transystems before beginning his 27 year career with Strata Corporation, first as a truck driver and later as dispatcher/transportation manager.

Rob began dating Becky Fjestad in July of 1994. They married on her family farm near Dahlen, North Dakota on September 16, 2000. Rob and Becky opened their home to friends and family, including nephews while they were attending UND.  Nephew Johnny moved in during the fall of his junior year of high school. Johnny became like a son.

Rob always had a passion for cars. Collecting, rebuilding, racing and cruising South Washington Street. He enjoyed entertaining friends at home or meeting them at Mamma Maria’s, gathering with family for holidays and milestones, vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, and snuggling at home with his chocolate lab Crown. Rob had a big heart. All who met him instantly considered him a friend. Many friends called him family. He was always willing to help loved ones. Rob was known for his sense of humor, which he shared with us up until the end.

Rob is survived by his wife Becky of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, mother Shirley Vakoc of Grand Forks, North Dakota, son Johnny Fjestad of Grand Forks, sister Cheri (John) Koch of Fargo, North Dakota , parents in law Leon & Avis Fjestad of Grand Forks, brother in laws Brian (Tracy) Fjestad of Grand Forks and Dan (Sherry) Fjestad of East Grand Forks, cherished nephews and nieces, great nephews and great niece, aunts, uncles, cousins , his dog Crown, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his father Bob Vakoc and his grandparents.

We feel so blessed to have had you in our lives. You were a gift from God. Thanks for leaving us with so many priceless stories to tell in your memory forever.

Visitation at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks on Thursday, October 3^rd, 2019 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7:00. Visitation will continue at United Lutheran Church at 10:00 am Friday, with service at 11:00 am. Rob’s life will continue to be celebrated at his home in East Grand Forks, starting at 6:00 pm on Friday. All are welcome. Online guestbook is available at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com