Obituary

Robert Lorell “Bob” Coffman, 63, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022, at his home in St. Paul, MN. Robert was born in 1958 in Victorville, California, to John and Lena Coffman, the youngest of four children. Eight years later the family moved to La Verne, California, where Robert attended Bonita High School. Robert graduated from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, in 1980. He moved to St. Paul to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota and earned a PhD in Mathematics in 1990. In Minnesota, Robert met his future wife, Victoria “Vicki” Phelps. They married on June 1, 1991, in St. Paul. Throughout their 31-year marriage, they embarked on many projects – including raising two daughters – with a deep love and respect for each other.

Robert – or “Bob,” as he was known at work – taught for 34 years at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the Mathematics Department, serving as Department Chair for 9 years. His cancer diagnosis forced him to retire a year early, which was heartbreaking to Robert because he loved teaching, and because he felt that 35 was “a much nicer number than 34.”

Throughout his life Robert enjoyed camping, hiking, and biking with his family and friends. He always delighted in being outdoors and took special pleasure in stargazing.

Robert’s beloved family and many friends will remember him for his limitless patience and calm, his sense of humor, and his ability to listen deeply. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughters, Dena Coffman and Alice Coffman; mother, Lena Coffman; sisters, Andrea Coffman (Larry Schulze), Valerie Coffman, and Suzanne Coffman; stepsister, Lori (Dean) Eaton; and stepbrother, William Michael "Mike" Doyle. Robert also leaves behind an aunt, an uncle, many cousins, two nieces, and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, John Coffman, Jr.; stepmother, Frances Lynette "Lyn" Coffman; four aunts; and four uncles.