John Robert "Bob" Belsly

John Robert “Bob” Belsly passed away at his home on November 11, 2025.

Bob was born June 27, 1930, just south of Moorhead, MN, the son of Roscoe and Mabel (Peterson) Belsly.

Bob attended Moorhead State Teachers College, graduating in 1948. He then attended Dakota Business College in Fargo, graduating in 1949.

He served during the Korean War when his Moorhead National Guard unit was federalized in 1951 through 1952.

On October 11, 1952, Bob was united in marriage to Dorothy Lorraine Carlson. They were happily married for over 70 years.

Bob was employed at Nodak Mutual Insurance Company for over 45 years, serving as an accountant, Controller, and retiring as Treasurer.

Bob was a lifelong member of Bethesda Lutheran Church. He sang in the choir for over 70 years. He was a church council member and remained active in the church his whole life.

Bob was a member of many organizations throughout the years, including the Swedish Cultural Society, Eagles, Toastmaster’s Club, Kiwanis, Lions, and Sons of Norway.

Bob spent countless hours swimming at the YMCA. He enjoyed photography, fishing, riding his bike, reading and travel. Bob and Dorothy traveled extensively, including traveling to France five times. He loved to sing and was a great soloist; he was asked to sing solos at church and in many weddings and funerals.

Bob loved the lake. Over the years he and Dorothy had cabins on Lake Ida and Lake McDonald. Bob spent time fishing and boating, and he taught many young relatives and friends how to water ski. He often marveled at how lucky he was to have been an active lake goer for over 60 years of his life.

Bob had many friends that meant much to him. Most of all, Bob dearly loved his wife, Dorothy, and his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents; and two sisters, Myrtle Belsly and Delores Green. Bob is survived by his daughter, Margaret Schmallen, Fargo, ND; son, Mark Belsly, Moorhead, MN; daughter, Nancy Henderson, Columbia, MO; and two grandsons, Brock Schmallen, Fargo, ND; and Zachary Henderson, Columbia, MO.

Visitation for Bob will be held Thursday, November 20 in Bethesda Lutheran Church from 5pm – 7pm with a Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at 7pm. His funeral service will be Friday, November 21 at 11am in Bethesda Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead.

Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN. Online condolences can be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com