Hall of Famer Bob Board passed away on September 5, 2026. He was 90 years old. Board was a long-time coach at Coon Rapids High School, a University of Minnesota wrestler, and a state champion for Anoka High School. He was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008.
Obituary
Robert A. Board age 90 of Coon Rapids. Robert (Bob) passed away on Sept. 4, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on October 6, 1935, to Wayne & Mary (Palm) Board. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife of 48 years, Sally (Scarborough); brothers Richard, Jack, and Donnie, sister-in-law Marlene Board, and grandson Cody Board (PFC, U.S. Army). Survived by daughter Robin (Mike) Langlais, sons Chris, and Jeff (Darcy); brothers, William, Jerry (Julie), Ed (Sandy) and Mark (Kathy); sister-in-law Kathy Board; grandchildren, Carissa (Bryant) Nupdal, Gibson, Mary, Abigail, Brandon, Ryan (Chelsie) Langlais, Ashley (Zack) Jording, Aaron (KC), and Tyler (Annie); great-grandchildren Ellery, Caden, Crew, Henley, Sawyer, Sophie, Mason, Harrison; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love of life, love of the Lord, and conversation over coffee are what made him special. He was a teacher and head wrestling coach for 34 years and Girl’s Fast Pitch assistant coach for 22 years at Coon Rapids Senior High School. As an athlete, he was a 1955 State Wrestling Champion at Anoka High School, and he and his brother, Dick, became the first brothers in Minnesota to win state titles the same year. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, letterman on the Gopher wrestling team, member of the 1957 Big Ten Championship team, and inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was one of the original individuals for the first Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament Committee, responsible for the ideas and changes that make up what the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament is today. He was also the cement guy to call when you needed a driveway, patio, or sidewalk put in. Bob changed the lives of many students and athletes during his years as a teacher and coach. He will be greatly missed by all who know him. A “Celebration of Life” is to be determined.