Robert Lee Gahnz

Robert “Bob” L. Gahnz, age 83, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Bob was born on July 22, 1942, in Balaton, Minnesota, to Hugo “Hooks” and Blanche (Bandar) Gahnz. He later grew up in Hastings alongside his brother, Ken, and developed an early love for sports and the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with family. He attended St. Boniface Catholic School, graduated from Hastings High School, and continued his education at the University of Minnesota in Dental School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Captain, a role he held with great pride throughout his life.

Bob met the love of his life, Patricia Rowan, at the Bierstube in Hastings while he was attending the University of Minnesota and she was in Nursing School. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children, Cory, Rindy, and Chad, in Hastings. To his family, Bob was simply the greatest dad, steady, supportive, and always there when he was needed.

He was an avid golfer and deeply involved with the Hastings Country Club, even serving as its president for a time. Bob treasured time outdoors, whether snowmobiling, skiing, hunting, fishing, or traveling with family and friends. Later in life, Patricia’s career as a flight attendant opened the door for the couple to explore the world together, with Italy holding a special place in their hearts.

Professionally, Bob dedicated more than 40 years to serving the Hastings community as a dentist. Known affectionately as “Doc, the people’s dentist,” he built lasting relationships with his patients and staff alike, many of his hygienists and dental assistants remained with him throughout their entire careers. He was generous to a fault, quick with a smile, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. It was often joked that if you were the biggest man in the bar, Bob would buy you a beer just in case he ever needed you. Even after retirement, he enjoyed working with his hands and spent time doing carpentry projects. His warm, bubbly, and optimistic personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his children, Cory (Kristine) Gahnz, Rindy (Mike) Utz, and Chad (Nicole) Gahnz; his grandchildren, Tate, Alexa, Noelle, Journey, JackGrant, Odin, and Henry; his brother, Kenny (Kathy) Gahnz; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Blanche Gahnz, and his beloved wife, Patricia.

A legend doing legendary things to the end.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West in Hastings. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A reception will follow immediately after Mass at the church. Private family interment will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hastings Family Service or donor’s choice.