Bemidji Veteran Robert Cole Dies at 86, Funeral Arrangements Set

Robert "Bob" Cole, 86, a longtime Bemidji resident and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, died December 24, 2025 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji. The obituary notice dated December 26, 2025 records his birth on March 2, 1939 in Spokane and lists surviving family members and other biographical details.

Cole’s passing brings into focus the role local care facilities play for aging veterans. The Minnesota Veterans Home in Bemidji provides long term care and support to veterans in Beltrami County and surrounding areas, and Cole’s death highlights the connections between those facilities and the families they serve. For many residents, the loss of a neighbor who served in uniform is a reminder of the communal ties that veterans, their families, and care staff maintain across generations.

The notice indicates that funeral arrangements and expressions of sympathy will be handled by Cease Funeral Home. Residents seeking to convey condolences or to obtain details about services may contact Cease Funeral Home as the designated local point of contact. The obituary provides family information and an invitation for the community to pay respects, reflecting the customary role funerals play in Bemidji civic life.

Cole’s life spanned 86 years and included military service that linked him to broader national efforts while anchoring him locally in Bemidji in his later years. His death at a veterans home underscores ongoing community needs related to elder care and veteran services in Beltrami County. As families and veterans navigate end of life care, local providers and funeral homes continue to be important resources for residents seeking information and support.

Local residents who knew Cole or who wish to express sympathy are encouraged to reach out to Cease Funeral Home for condolence information and any forthcoming service details.