Obituary of Robert Lynn Miinch

Robert Lynn Miinch "Bob", a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 3, 2024.

The son of Carolyn Rolens McNabb and Billy Lee Miinch, Bob born on December 2, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and attended school in Arnold and Imperial, graduating from Windsor High School in 1978. He subsequently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wilmington College with a degree in Business Management in 1989.

At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force under the delayed enlistment program. He valued this service highly and during his career attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7.) In 1978, he entered active duty and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, where he was an Honor Graduate. Following basic training, Bob trained as a Freight Traffic Specialist at Sheppard AFB, Texas. Subsequently, he was deployed on his first assignment to Ramstein AFB, Germany, with the 86th Transportation Squadron. In 1981, Bob was transferred to Dover AFB where he was assigned as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 436th Transportation Squadron. This is where he met the love of his life (Lisa) and started his family.

In 1983, Bob was selected to train as an aircraft loadmaster, which he also completed as an Honor Graduate. Post training, he completed his in-aircraft upgrade as a C-5 aircraft loadmaster with the 3rd Military Airlift Squadron (MAS) When the 31st MAS was stood up in 1989, Bob was selected as a member of its initial cadre and was involved in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. 1992 brought one of Bob's favorite career changes, when he became a member of the 437th Airlift Control Squadron at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, which he affectionately referred to as "Secret Squirrels." With the consolidation of the Airlift Control Squadrons, Bob completed his service for the United States Air Force and retired in 1998 after twenty years.

Throughout his career, he maintained his proficiency as a C-5 loadmaster and superintendent of training in the 621st Air Mobility Control Squadron. Among his numerous accomplishments, Bob received the Meritorious Service Medal, two Aerial Achievement Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, four Air Force Achievement medals, as well as contributing to the award of four Outstanding Unit Citations. Throughout his remarkable military career, he had the chance to travel the world while residing in multiple regions of the United States. Bob always had a good story to tell, which he cherished sharing with friends and family.

Following his military retirement, he relocated with his wife and children to Prior Lake, Minnesota, where he continued to support his family through dedicated service to Firestone, retiring in 2017.

Bob was an avid and exceptional game-player. He won countless games of cribbage with family, bowled multiple 300 games, and was a staple at the "final table" in poker.

He had a love for Las Vegas where he could participate in any poker tournament he could find and chit-chat with random strangers.

He reveled in the roles of Dad and Uncle, always bringing joy and laughter with his jokes and stories, honing his skills to become the best Pop Pop to his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, a life-long supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals and realistic fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Wild. Yet, his greatest devotion was to his wife and children, always there to celebrate every milestone and accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lisa; son Ryan (Katie) Miinch and daughter Kristen (Bryan) Lindsay; grandchildren Aubrey and Tate Miinch; bonus grandchildren Joe and McKenna Lindsey; Mother Carolyn McNabb; brother Jeffrey "Scott" (Julie) Miinch; many beloved nieces and nephews; extended family in Missouri and Minnesota, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Billy Lee Miinch.

A service honoring the life of Robert Miinch will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina, Minnesota, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:00 a.m. An interment ceremony will follow at 11:30 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, with a lunch held at VFW Post 6208, 16306 Main St. SE, Prior Lake, Minnesota, at 12:30.