Robert DeMarce obituary

Robert DeMarce (Bob), age 85, of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2026.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Marilyn DeMarce; three children, Lisa Garbe (Bill), Spenser DeMarce (Sarah), and Rory DeMarce (Tom); grandchildren Nick Garbe, Ally Herheim (Brandon), and Tanner Douglas (Taisha); great-grandchildren Emerie and Kip Douglas; siblings Tom DeMarce (Doris), Diane Klieger, Tom Kovacevich (Mary Ann), Tony Kovacevich (Beverly), Terry Kovacevich (Vickey), Deb Romero (Lawrence), and Dana DeMarce; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Darcy DeMarce.
Bob was born on November 15, 1940 in Lake City, Minnesota. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, where he was active in football and basketball. His love of sports continued throughout his life.  Bob attended the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in mortuary science.
Throughout his life, Bob lived near lakes – Lake Pepin at Lake City, Minnesota; Stillwater, Minnesota; Spirit Lake, Iowa; Prior Lake, Minnesota; and Burnsville, Minnesota – ending with a view of the Minnesota River Valley. He enjoyed working and staying active as long as his health allowed, whether boating, water skiing, ice boating, snow skiing, or gardening, and also was a great chef. Pets were always a part of Bob’s life, and his beloved Portuguese Water Dogs were a favorite.
During his career, Bob was a funeral director, casket salesman, and consultant, working with sales teams and funeral homes. He never really quit working and was well respected by his peers in the field.
Bob fought and survived four cancer diagnoses. The last giving him 9-12 months to live – yet he lived 14 more years.   He was lovingly called the “Energizer Bunny,” since he always bounced back, regardless of the challenges.  His doctor said that he was on his second nine lives. He was able to be part of a TPT documentary, Late Life -Meaning & Legacy and Late Life-Living with Chronic Illness. Bob’s work ethic, positivity, luck, sense of humor, and tenacity served him well throughout his life. Bob always said, “If you have no expectations, you will never be disappointed.” Bob with his zest for life will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County Road 42 E, Burnsville, Minnesota 55306.
A luncheon will follow at Wyndham Hotel, 14201 Nicollet Ave South, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337.
Burial will be in Lake City, Minnesota, following the service and luncheon at St. Mary’s Cemetery. 1024 W. Lyon Ave., Lake City, Minnesota.