Robert M. Lopez

Robert Manuel Lopez was born on July 4, 1954, in Moorhead, MN. He was the son of Manuel and Marjorie (Bergin) Lopez. Robert attended grade school at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1972.

On August 1, 1981, Robert was united in marriage to Jean Heintzelman at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. The couple lived in Moorhead until 1997 when they moved to Glyndon, MN and it was there that they continued raising their family.

Since 1976, Robert had been working as a carpenter, building bridges for Lunda Construction Company of Black River Falls, WI. His bridge building took him to various parts of North Dakota and Minnesota. His most notable and favorite bridges included the Lowry, High Bridge, Wakota, and Wabasha, in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He retired in 2014.

Robert passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at sixty-eight years of age, in his home surrounded by his family, and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Robert was a man who loved attending various sporting events; watching old movies, especially westerns; and listening to music of the 50s and 60s. He played softball and broomball where lifelong friendships were made. The highlight though for him, was being a proud father of Kelly and Jennifer. He enjoyed being able to watch them play volleyball and basketball at DGF and at NDSU; as well as continuing to watch and support their various teams in their coaching careers.

After both Robert and Jean retired, they were able to travel more, making pit stops along the way at various museums and attractions. They loved being able to finally visit old friends and family near and far. They treasured the life they built together, until Robert’s final days.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters, Kelly (Paul Davis) Lopez, Fargo, ND and Jennifer Lopez, Fargo, ND; siblings, Randall (Roberta) Lopez, Alderson, OK, Marla Lopez Dooley, West Valley City, UT and Laura (Doug) Lopez Dahl, Woodbury, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Marjorie Lopez; and brother, Ryan Lopez.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., followed by the prayer service at 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 17, 2023, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Robert's webpage. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN, following the service.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to his nurse and team of the Hospice of the Red River Valley, for their excellent care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.