Robert C. Chase, Jr

Robert C. Chase, Jr, 66, of Byron, passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2020 at his home. He was a great and dearly loved man. Bob was born May 27, 1953 in Rochester to Robert and Alice (Moan) Chase. He was a graduate of Mayo High School and went on to obtain his Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by his M.B.A from Winona State. On June 28, 1980, Bob married Carol Grimm. He always said that this was the best decision of his life. Watching their children, Heidi and Alex, grow up was his greatest joy. Bob was employed with Mayo Clinic for 35 years, starting in the labs and serving in a number of positions, in both Jacksonville and Rochester. He retired from that career as the Chair of the Department of Contracting and Payor Relations. He thoroughly enjoyed his work. He loved strategizing and being a part of his team. After his retirement from Mayo, he started Chase Consulting, L.L.C., achieving in his encore career a life-goal of having his own business and valuing who he got to meet along the way. Bob was a treasured friend. He had a great smile, a better laugh, and, though he classified himself as an introvert, he never wanted to leave a social gathering early and was often the life of a room. He loved being with friends traveling to the Boundary Waters and backpacking. The woods were his favorite place. In his later years, he was finally convinced that there were places not in the woods that were worth seeing, too. He was able to go to Europe, to the Caribbean, and to the Galapagos Islands on adventures with friends and these brought him many laughs and great joy. These all meant so much to him, but what he would say meant the most was his family. He loved being retired on the farm where he grew up spending his summers with his siblings and grandparents. Over the past few weeks of distance learning, his granddaughter had been giving him projects to describe himself, and we have the gift of his words to her for this. "I love my wife, my children, and my grandchildren. I like walking in the woods, fishing, reading, cooking, eating, fixing things, taking my grandchildren fossil hunting on the four-wheeler, playing Uno as a family, relaxing mornings with coffee, and seeing bluebirds." This summed up his life these days and he was a happy man. Bob was honest, humble, hilarious, and full of integrity. He was joyful, welcoming, he could find humor in all situations, and had a laugh that could fill a room. He was devoted to his family and his friends. He's going to be sorely missed. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Carol; children Heidi (Brian) McNulty and Alex Chase; granddaughters Teagan and Norah; brother Bradley Chase and sister Kimberley Chase; his beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and many friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Alice. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. The next time you take a walk in the woods, think of Bob. He'd like that, as long as you walked quietly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Channel One Food Bank, Bethel Lutheran Church, or to a church of donor's choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Chase family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com