Robert Jirele

Robert (Bob) Thomas Jirele, aged 58, of Rochester Minnesota, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at his home.

Bob was born May 8, 1966, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester Minnesota, the son of Neil Richard Jirele and Marjorie (Kime) Jirele. He was raised in Rochester and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1984. A dedicated and passionate runner, Bob began running in seventh grade and was a proud member of the Lourdes High School state championship cross country teams in 1980 and 1981. In 2022, Bob was honored to be inducted into the Lourdes Hall of Fame for his multiple achievements. After high school, Bob attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, earning degrees in Criminology and Sociology in 1988.

While attending UNI, Bob met and fell in love with Margaret (Mara) Dominy. Following graduation, they were married on December 31, 1988, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly, Iowa. Bob and Mara moved to Worthington, Minnesota, where Bob worked for 36 years in the field of probation. He worked as a corrections agent for Rock-Nobles Community Corrections from 1988-2015 and served as Director of Court Services for Jackson County from 2015-2025.

Bob was an active volunteer and advocate for local recreation, community improvement, and youth opportunities. He was a long-time member of the Okabena Bay Area Striders, which organized the Worthington King Turkey Day 10K race for many years. Bob served on multiple boards including those of Worthington YMCA, ISD 518, and Worthington Housing and Regional Authority. A passionate supporter of his children and their interests, Bob coached his son Matthew's youth baseball team, his daughter Emma's YMCA youth traveling basketball team, and frequently attended their sporting events and musical performances.

Bob valued the outdoors and was dedicated to fitness and physical activity. He loved running, bicycling, and visiting state and national parks. Other hobbies he enjoyed were reading and listening to music (especially The Beatles). Through these hobbies, Bob built and fostered bonds with his friends and family. Bob loved his family and was especially proud of his children.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mara of Rochester, MN; his two children: Emma (Parker) Jirele Sandhurst of Crystal, MN, Matthew Jirele (partner, Porscha McClanahan) of Albert Lea, MN; sister Julianne (Mike) Holst of Rochester, MN, brother Tom (Laura) Jirele of Richboro, PA, sister Connie Bird (Larry Howe) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Paul Howard, and nephew Andrew Howard.

In lieu of flowers, Bob requested memorials be made to VocalEssence, (1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 or www.vocalessence.org/donate) and the ALS Association (1919 University Ave W #175, St. Paul, MN 55104 or www.als.org/donate).

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service at the Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Jirele family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.