Robert "Bob" Pappa, 75, of Stanley, North Dakota, passed away from cancer in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley, North Dakota.

Bob was born on November 16, 1950, in Stanley, North Dakota to Vernon and Lillie (Beard) Pappa. While attending North Dakota State University, he met the love of his life, Lorretta Wirtz. They were married on July 23, 1973, and together built a life centered on family, hard work, and helping others. They were blessed with two sons, Christopher and Brett. Through Brett, Bob welcomed a beloved "furry daughter," Anika, and in 2023 he was ecstatic to welcome his daughter-in-law, Valerie (Kuehn) Pappa, into the family.

Bob lived and worked in both North Dakota and Wisconsin before the family settled in Champlin, Minnesota, where he worked for Caterpillar for 17 years. Following his retirement, Bob and Lorretta returned home to Stanley. There, he built a shop and started 4 Mile Service, where he continued doing what he loved most, - solving problems, fixing equipment, and lending a helping hand. Whether it was farm machinery, horse equipment, or a neighbor's project, Bob never hesitated to set aside his own work to help family and friends.

Bob was a proud member of the St. Croix Railroad Club in Hudson, Wisconsin. One of his greatest passions was building a 1.5-inch scale live steam Union Pacific Challenger locomotive alongside his close friend and partner, Whitney Johnson. He found immense joy in tinkering with trains and treasured the lifelong friendships he made through the hobby.

Bob is survived by his sons, Christopher and Brett (Valerie) Pappa; his cherished furry companion, Anika; his sisters, Sharron Holland, Sandy McGinnity, and Denise (Ron) Banks; his sister-in-law, Debbie Pappa, Kathleen Philbrick, Judy Wirtz, Sharon (Dick) Philbrick, and Becky Schmitcke; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lorretta Pappa; his parents, Vernon and Lillie Pappa; sister Shirley (Donald) Aune; his brothers, Mick (Linda), Bill (Margo), and Dale Pappa; and his brothers-in-law, Lyle Holland, Gary McGinnity, Donald Philbrick, and Derald Schmitcke.