Robert Stephen Thornfeldt

Robert “Bob” Stephen Thornfeldt valiantly battled leukemia until he passed quietly, surrounded by his loving family on December 26th, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Bobbie (Lanterman), his children Brittne (Wade) Holom, Trebor (Jennifer) Thornfeldt, and Brenna (Niklas) Eriksson, 15 grandchildren, and siblings Dr. Carl (Marlene) Thornfeldt, Daphne (Terry) Donovan, Nancy (Sam) Miller, Kirk (Michelle) Thornfeldt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert E. and Daphne Thornfeldt and sister Ann Thornfeldt. His loss is felt deeply by his family, church family, and friends alike.

Bob was born to Dr. Robert and Daphne Thornfeldt on November 12, 1953, in Portland, Oregon. He was the second of six children. Bob and his siblings grew up on a farm, in Troutdale, Oregon, and learned many valuable life lessons from their parents. After graduating high school in 1971, Bob attended Mount Hood Community College and graduated from Portland State University, with a degree in Psychology and Business.

Bob met the love of his life, Bobbie Lanterman in June of 1976, and they were married on June 18, 1977, in Ontario, Oregon. They would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this year. An accomplishment to be recognized. Bob was a devoted husband who cared for, provided for, and adored his wife, Bobbie. He was the most loving husband, father, and provider. Bob chose to always put his wife and kids first, although, during hunting season there may have been some exceptions. Bob and Bobbie joyfully welcomed their children Brittne, followed by Trebor, and then Brenna. Bob loved being a dad, and considered the three of them to be his greatest accomplishments. He spent many hours teaching them to ski, hunt, fish, golf, play basketball, love Jesus, and many other important life skills.

Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic drove him to build several businesses including Max Relax Pool & Spas and Home Comfort. He spent the latter years of his career as the CFO for Episciences Inc., in Boise, Idaho. Bob retired in July of 2021, to fully embrace his passions and interests. He loved to play a “quick” 9 with his friends and to introduce his grandkids to lifelong sports like golfing, swimming, and skiing. Bob loved to have the grandkids help with home projects like building a garden, chopping pitch and stacking wood, building a fire, and mowing the lawn. One of his favorite summer activities was to spend time at the Homestead in Montana, with the family. He could also be found at the grandkids’ sporting events, as one of their biggest cheerleaders.

Bob’s legacy of faith, hard work, outdoor enthusiasm, and family will live on through his 15 grandchildren. The relationship he developed with them will be foundational as they continue to grow and mature into compassionate adults, who are on fire for Jesus. Bob’s work ethic and mentoring impacted not just his grandchildren but countless children and young adults in his community. Bob was a committed volunteer for the youth and children’s ministries at Christian Life Fellowship, where he was known as Mr. Bob to most. He served for over 40 years in many different capacities including as a teacher for the Sparks class, guitar player and worship leader for Awana, summer camp counselor, choir and play performer, and chaperone for youth mission trips. He was well known for his love for Jesus. He especially enjoyed getting to teach and watch each of his grandkids’ faith grow and mature. Over the years, he had the privilege ofbaptizing 7 of his 15 grandkids. He made it his mission to share that JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bob on Saturday, February 14th at 2:00 pm at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, in the Meyer-McLean Performing Arts Theatre (676 SW 5th Avenue, Ontario, Oregon). A dessert reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the AWANA program at Christian Life Fellowship or to your home church youth program. Bob would be honored to be remembered this way.