Hotchkiss was friend to all

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, February 23, 2008

Bob Hotchkiss

Bob Hotchkiss, best known in Fergus Falls as the owner and operator of Bob’s Tavern, also is praised for his friendliness and interest in people of all ages. That’s the opinion of many people who spoke about Hotchkiss, 77, who died Thursday.

“Bob meant so many things to so many people,” Nancy Bakke said. “When my late husband, Bruce, was ill, Bob was always here for us when we needed him. He was a kind person who had a great sense of humor. And he was a real joker who could put a smile on your face.”

Bakke, former Daily Journal sports editor who died in July 2007, teamed with Hotchkiss in the 1970s to sponsor a golf tournament with Bakke called the BaKiss Tourney. This tournament was designed for duffers and for those who golfed only on special occasions.

“Bob and Bruce had a great time organizing the Ba-Kiss,” Nancy said. “It was fun time for all of the participants.”

Golfers such as Arnie Erickson, the late Al Haroldson, Bob’s brother Jack, Warren Sagerhorn and many others also enjoyed the camaraderie at Bob’s Tavern after completing the rounds at Pebble Lake Golf Course.

Many others also enjoyed their associations with Hotchkiss.

“Times with Bob at Bob's Tavern are among my happiest memories,” Cris Kling said. “They all involve laughter, acceptance and connection. Bob — with his stories, jokes, songs, and insight — was the magnet that drew us together.”

Kling also recalls patrons playing old Hank William's songs on the jukebox at Bob’s Tavern, watching people shoot pool and others playing the bowling machine.

“Singing Irish songs, at Mike Lucy's direction and with Louise Schultz's accompaniment on the old upright green piano on St. Patrick's Day, also are very special memories,” Kling said.

Hotchkiss lived on the family farm until they moved into Fergus Falls in 1934. In 1938 his parents purchased Hotchkiss Store which later became a tavern along Friberg Avenue.

In the past several months he participated with county museum discussion groups recalling the old days of neighborhood grocery stores. Hotchkiss worked, as a youth, for his parents and delivered groceries to people living through tough times in the late 1930s, at the end of the Great Depression.

“His parents donated a lot of food and other items to people in need,” said Sonny Mjelde who also operated a neighborhood grocery store. “Bob learned at an early age what it meant to be a caring individual.”

Hotchkiss sponsored, played and managed many sports teams throughout his lifetime, including golf, softball, bowling and basketball teams.

“Coaches, sports participants and others who had an interest in athletics all enjoyed their associations with Bob,” Mjelde said.

Bob’s Tavern remains as a special place in the hearts of Ken and Joan Voigt of Alexandria, married for more than 20 years.

“We first met at Bob’s Tavern,” said Ken, a native of Jamestown, N.D. “Joan is from Melrose and we met there when I accompanied Fergus native Tim Lillquist and some other friends into the tavern. Bob was a great guy.”

The funeral for Hotchkiss will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls.