NEW ULM–Robert “Bob” Allen Horstmann, age 43 of New Ulm, Minnesota died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 27, 2025 in New Ulm.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Tim Smith will officiate, and burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9-10:45 am on Tuesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm prior to the service. The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Bob is survived by his wife, Heidi Horstmann and their daughters, Hailey, and Autumn all of New Ulm; his parents, Christine and William Horstmann of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; his brother, Billy Horstmann of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; his mother-in-law, and father-in-law, Marie, and Randy Sperling of New Ulm; and many nieces nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Shirley, and Gordon Roberts; his paternal grandparents, Hazel, and Frederick Horstmann; and many aunts, uncles, and relatives.

Robert “Bob” Allen Horstmann was born on November 4, 1981, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to William and Christine (Roberts) Horstmann. He grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 2000. Bob went on to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin Lutheran College, eventually earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm. He later completed a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from North Dakota State University. On July 10, 2010, Bob married the love of his life, Heidi Sperling, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, whom they lovingly raised in Baraboo, Wisconsin and New Ulm, Minnesota. Early in his career, Bob worked as a probation officer and later taught inmates working toward their GED at Columbia Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. His passion for the outdoors led him to a career as a park ranger, a job that perfectly matched his love of nature. He served at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Mirror Lake State Park in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, and most recently as the head supervisor at Flandrau State Park in New Ulm, Minnesota. Outside of work, Bob was a devoted sports fan and avid bowler and golfer. He cheered passionately for all Wisconsin teams–especially his beloved Green Bay Packers. Heidi could recall the joy on his face the night the Packers won the Super Bowl and he lifted her off the ground in excitement. He had the same reaction when they found out they were expecting their first child. Bob was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, the New Ulm Country Club, and the Lutheran Bowling League. Above all, Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family. He adored Heidi and their daughters, and his love for them showed in everything he did. Bob had a personality that could light up a room and had a natural gift for making people laugh. His warmth, kindness, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Blessed be his memory.

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