SPRINGFIELD–Robert ‘Bob’ Leonard Sturm, age 83, of Springfield, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Bob’s Life will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Springfield. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the church, as well as one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday. Interment will be at St. Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen several organizations who have impacted Bob throughout his life. Any donations received will go to those organizations.

Bob was born June 6, 1942, to Alvin and Evelyn (Seidl) Sturm in rural Springfield. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1960.

Bob was united in marriage to Sharon Jueneman at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Sanborn on May 7, 1966; a union which blessed the couple with four daughters and two sons.

Bob was a farmer at heart and held various positions throughout his life including Golden Sun Feed Company, Supersweet Feeds, Tauer’s SuperValu, Runnings, Hayden’s Furniture, St. Raphael’s Church, School and Cemetery, and Plotz Farms.

He gave his time and talents to numerous organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Lions Club, Catholic Order of Foresters, and Catholic Knights–where he helped coordinate an annual sauerkraut and dumpling fundraiser cherished by many.

His involvement at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church was central to his life. He served as catechist, Eucharistic Minister, and lector. He supported funeral ministries, assisted with cemetery board duties.

He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the local museum, park cleanup after major floods, and community fundraisers–often featuring “Bob’s Burgers,” a beloved staple at various events.

Bob’s passion for local athletics helped shape generations of Springfield youth. Through the Springfield Baseball Association, he served as President, VP, and Secretary/Treasurer from 1975-2007. He was also a press box announcer, statistician, field maintenance volunteer, and co-manager of the concession stand. Bob participated in renovation efforts at the ball fields and volunteered as an umpire for baseball and a referee for basketball. In 2010, Bob received the honor of being inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

His love of sports extended into his personal life as well. Baseball was Bob’s passion – especially playing with his kids on the south lawn on the farm. He played high school and town ball from 1956 to 1980. He proudly followed not only his children but also his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless other young athletes.

Bob loved woodworking, his fishing trips, breakfast at Fritz’s (Red Apron), his men’s group, and starting conversations with everyone he encountered.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the family he nurtured. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon; six children Mary (Fred Heinz) Sturm of Avon, Karie (Todd) Belling of Sartell, Randy (Paula) Sturm of Sanborn, Ann (Dan) Leshovsky of Fargo, Shauna (Scott) Brockmann of Lake Crystal, and Ryan (Emily) Sturm of Springfield; 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; brother Michael (Deb) Sturm of Farmington and sister JoAnn (Tom) Hensel of Mankato, brothers-in-law Dave Hoger of Saratoga, CA and Richard Dahl of Annandale; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephew.

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