Robert "Bob" Washnieski

Robert (Bob) Joseph Washnieski was born on July 10, 1951, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Emilie Rose (Brandis) and Robert Eugene Washnieski.  He was the first born of five children.  His family moved several times, settling in Goodrich, ND in 1966.  He played every high school sport, since his father coached most of his sports.  Bob’s father instilled his love of sports, fishing, hunting, and wildlife.  After graduating from Goodrich High School, Bob moved to Valley City to attend college, where he met the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) Jo Tisdale.  Only one month after meeting each other, Bob was drafted into the military.  Bob and Becky kept in touch with letters, and after 18 months in the Army, Bob hitched hiked back to ND to be with Becky. 

Bob and Becky were married on August 16, 1974, on the Tisdale farm outside Pembina.  The newlyweds moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, when Bob was accepted to the Kendal College of Art and Design.  After graduation, they moved to Minneapolis, where they were blessed with twin daughters, Kesha and Albra.  In 1978, Bob and Becky packed their infant daughters into their Volkswagen Bus to move to Fargo to raise their family.  They were later blessed with a son, Robert Maxfield (Max), in 1983. Bob, Becky, and their children lived in north Fargo before relocating to their home in rural Horace.  Bob ensured Becky had plenty of acreage for her horses, and their welcoming home became the gathering place for family and friends any day of the week.   

Bob worked as an artist, illustrator, and designer for nearly four decades.  He was known as “Wash” and began his own business, Washnieski Illustration & Design Studio.  Much of his work has stood the test of time, and you may know his work from the Hjemkomst, the Cass Clay milk logo for Hornbacher’s, the Holiday Inn Shipwreck Bay logo, the Eagle Run logo, and countless others.  When Bob entered the retirement phase, he began working at Asplin hauling gravel in the warmer months and driving school bus at West Fargo Public Schools during the winter months.  Bob’s grandkids took full opportunity to ride with “Papa” in his truck. 

Bob’s greatest pleasures were had in and around the Morton Building, creating and repurposing anything and everything, listening or dancing to music, playing ping pong, darts or building the greatest fire anyone has ever seen. No one could build a fire like “Bonfire Bob” He was also a fierce competitor at softball, frisbee golf, bocce ball, and bowling. Bob looked forward to adding his name to the largest fish trophy during 31 annual fishing trips to Stony Point Campground on Leech Lake with his son and friends.

Bob and Becky also enjoyed many horseback rides with family and friends, including Western Wednesdays, Trotting Thursday, trips to the sandhills, and Medora.  Bob’s horse gave him many chances for an 8-second ride. 

Bob had a big heart; he would help anyone who needed it.  His sense of humor and compassion for others was amazing.  He made everyone one feel special by the way he could talk with anyone.  He would make friends pumping gas, at the grocery store, or anywhere he could greet a new face.  He had the best smile that would light up any room and a laugh that was contagious.  He gave the best big bear hugs, with the count down 1, 2, 2 ¼, 2 ½, 2 ¾, 3 (you would get a big-can’t-breathe hug)!

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rebecca; daughters: Kesha (Jason) Byrne and Albra (Josh) Roberts; son: Max (Jen) Washnieski; grandchildren: Brennan (Jadyn Bachman) Byrne, Hayden Byrne, Layton Ruud, Deven Ruud, Hudson Roberts, and Kiley Washnieski; brother, Michael (Becky) Washnieski; sister, Vanessa Petzak; many nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Doug Roberts.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene and Emilie Rose; sister, Michelle Washnieski; and brother, Frank Washnieski. 

Service: Sunday, December 14, 2025, visitation starting at 6 PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 7 PM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Burial: Saint Florians Cemetery, Ino, Wisconsin, at a later date.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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