Robert “Bob” Thul, age 78, of St. Paul, Minnesota and Eureka passed away peacefully on July 29th, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born in January 1940 to his parents William and Gertrude, Bob was raised in the Twin Cities. Attending St. Columba School through eighth grade, he then studied at Wilson High School. Bob began studying at St. Thomas University and soon met his future wife and lifelong best friend, Patricia. The two of them adventured through life together — marrying at St. Columba Church in St. Paul in 1961 and eventually welcoming four amazing kids into the world.

A lifelong learner, he finished his bachelors degree in business administration one semester before his oldest daughter finished college, and went on to study in the masters in business administration program. Bob worked in management at Control Data Corporation for many years before moving out west. Throughout living in Minnesota, Washington, and settling 15 years ago in California, Bob made everyone fall in love with his charm and quick wit. He was always very involved in their church wherever they were, working with the homeless, and volunteering at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. He is now reunited in heaven with his parents, William and Gertrude, brother Bill, and brother-in-law Len.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, his sisters: JoAnn Olsen, Mary (Ken) Nelson; and Betty (Jerry) Webber; his children: Lori (Dave) Breyer, Mary (Dave) Schwarz, Bill (Kay) Thul, and Dave (Heather) Thul; eleven grandchildren: Adam (Olivia), Allison (Dave), Kevin, Natalie (Bryan), Jamie (Kaitlyn), Megan, Michael, Katie, Sara, Alex, and Cassie, and countless nieces, nephews and loved ones.

A mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, September 29th at 11 a.m. followed by a lunch. All who wish to celebrate his life are invited to the service. Stories of your favorite memories are encouraged. No black apparel, please. In lieu of flowers, please feel welcome to make a donation to either Hospice or the cancer charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bob Thul’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.