Robert Condon 1940 – 2025
Robert Eugene Condon, age 85 currently residing in Whittmann, Ariz., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 26, 2025.
Robert or “Bob” as his family and friends enduringly called him was born on March 1, 1940 to James and Emma (Dickenson) Condon in Minnesota. One fall day “Bob” asked Carolyn if she wanted a ride and the rest is history. On December 30, 1960 Robert was united in marriage with Carolyn Faye Maaninga. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Richard, Ricky and Robert. In 1965 he packed his family and took them to live in Butte, Mont., where he started a new career as a underground miner. This only lasted a short time before the miners went on strike, thus putting him out of a job. He then took his family to Seattle, Wash., to begin his career as a carpenter. In 1970 when work was scarce in the Seattle area, he then packed his family up to go back to Butte where they planted their roots and raised their boys. He was a carpenter for the Anaconda Company now know as Montana Resources. When the mine was sold in 1978 he was laid off and from there that was how he would become a “master carpenter” starting his own business, “Condon and Sons Construction” Anything that “Bob” touched turned into a work of art. He was particular, and had a keen eye to “make it pretty” He could and did anything he put his mind to, it may have taken a few times to accomplish but he was one to never give up on what he was envisioning in his head. He greatly enjoyed working alongside his three sons and teaching them the ways of carpentry. For decades he fixed, remodeled, roofed and anything else you could think of for his loyal customers. If you have ever had Bob work for you, you know that anything he touched he made beautiful.
In 2000 he and Carolyn bought their first motor home and began to travel by motor coach. From Minnesota to Arizona and everything in between, they seen and explored. It is in Arizona that they decided to “snowbird” to get out of the cold winters in Montana. Pretty soon the boy’s childhood home on Walnut Street was up for sale, and full time RVers is what they became. Then in 2017 after his little brother Gary passed, he then bought the house and began the transformation. He would tell all of us that grandma finally got her castle. He was able to reside in his completed castle for one full year until he passed away.
Robert enjoyed all his family and friends and was always willing to lend a hand along with a few words of wisdom or a gentle lecture. His advice was always simple but solid. He will be missed dearly and remembered by his loving wife of 64 years Carolyn. He is also survived by his three sons: Richard, Ricky (Becky), and Robert (Robbie) Condon. His grandchildren: Mindy (Tom) Pennell, Jessica, Joshua, Thomas, Taylor and Dustin Condon. His great-grandchildren: Mason and Kohlter Pennell, McKenzie, Paisley and Aidean Condon all of Butte, Mont. Brother LeRoy and Nancy Condon of Park Rapids; sisters Doris Park-Steele, and Karen Gay. Also many nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Emma Condon; sisters: Rose Marie Condon, Marie Harju, Linda Demaris; brothers; Richard Condon, Jim Condon and Gary Condon and daughter in law Candi Condon.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us in person, his kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
Funeral services will be held at Cease Family Funeral Home in Park Rapids on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM with visitation for 1 hour prior.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cease Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.ceasefuneralhome.com. 8-27