Robert “Bob” M. Caneff, age 92, passed peacefully on Sunday evening, November 10, 2024, surrounded by his family, after suffering a major stroke.
Bob was born on August 26, 1932, in Hastings to William and Marguerite (Fitzgerald) Caneff. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1950 after which he began working on the family farm. In 1958 Robert was drafted and served during the Korean War. After the war he returned to the family farm to work with his brother, James. In 1966, he first saw his future wife, JoAnn at a bowling alley in Red Wing. He kept asking her out until she finally said yes. In 1971, he married her - the love of his life. They recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. They were blessed with one daughter, Robin.
Before and after his retirement, he filled his time with hobbies and volunteering. Bob loved playing and watching baseball. He played for the Miesville Mudhens and in 1956 he was voted the team’s most valuable player. In 2014, he was inducted into the Miesville Mudhens Hall of Fame. Bob developed another new passion at the age 62 when he decided it was finally time that he learned how to ride a bike. He loved being able to be outside and see nature on a bike trail. This new interest led to hundreds of miles of bike rides with Twin Cities Bike Club.
Bob volunteered thousands of hours in the 30 years after his retirement. He worked at Habitat for Humanity building houses in West St. Paul, Apple Valley and Hastings. He gave time to Project Share, tirelessly securing donations and organizing events. For over 13 years he arranged for vocalists to sing the National Anthem at Mudhens’ ball games - over 234 games in total. He assisted at the St. Paul Classic Bike Ride for over 20 years. He was a constant volunteer at his church, Guardian Angels, and later St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, planning the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parties, ushering, and cleaning. He also took a weekly 2:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. shift for the Perpetual Adoration for two decades.
Bob was extremely humble, hard-working, generous and full of life. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marguerite Caneff; brother, William Caneff; sister, Mary (Joe) Lorentz; half-brother, Fred (Bea) Schultz; and sister-in-law, Eleanor Caneff.
Robert is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Robin (Jon) Gipson; grandchildren, Charlie and Tegan Gipson; brother, James Caneff; sisters-in-law, Nancy Hall (Lisa Brusen), Susan (Cavin) Kalina; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment took place immediately following the Mass at the parish cemetery with Military Honors provided by Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210.
Family and friends were cordially invited to a visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and for one hour prior to the Mass at church on Saturday morning.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
