Robert "Bob" G Tatum

Robert “Bob” G. Tatum, 88, of Ellendale, North Dakota, died peacefully at home in Ellendale on December 22, 2024. There was a private burial on December 24. Bob was born July 19, 1936, to Cullen and Ida (Pierrot) Tatum in Riverton, Wyoming. He was raised on a farm in the Lander, Wyoming, area and graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander in 1954. Bob attended Casper Junior College in Casper, Wyoming, and then moved on to Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, where he graduated with a BS in Physical Education and minors in English and Industrial Arts. He earned his Masters degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1962 from the University of Wyoming at Laramie where he was also a graduate assistant for defense and the Freshman football team. Bob met Gwen Bowler at a “Bachelor and Bachelorette” square dancing event in Billings while he was in college, and on August 13, 1959, they married. Bob and Gwen had five children - Tim, Becky, Toby, Jill, Todd. 

Bob was involved in many different organizations throughout his life, but the most significant were Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Republican Party, and Gideons. He was also involved in many Bible studies, which he loved. 

Bob taught and coached in Burlington, Shoshoni, and Kemmerer, Wyoming, before moving to California where he taught at Brawley Union High School, Keystone Christian School, and Santa Fe Christian School. In 1983, Bob and his family moved to Ellendale, North Dakota, where he taught, coached football and basketball, and served as Athletic Director at Trinity Bible College.

Bob was a teacher, but coaching was his love. He coached many sports, but football held a special place in his heart. Bob taught the “total release” philosophy to his athletes not only for competition but as a way of life to “release” everything they had, holding nothing back, in becoming more like Christ. He loved visiting with former students and athletes about this topic whenever he got the chance. 

Bob and Gwen bought the Oxenrider Motel in Ellendale in 1988 and ran the business with their daughter, Becky, until December 2019. Bob loved meeting people from all across the states (and even Germany and Africa) who stayed at the Motel, and some became like family. He felt like the Motel was a way to minister to people spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. 

Bob loved Ellendale and its people. He enjoyed finding businesses that would benefit the community, which is why he began selling fresh-cut Christmas trees at the Motel - he drove to Oregon to pick them up. He also sold fireworks and Conklin products, as well as operated a moving business and roofing business. He loved watching Ellendale and Trinity sports and reading the Dickey County Leader. He loved praying for and praying with the people in Ellendale. 

Bob could be a man of few words unless it was about his family or spiritual things. He enjoyed visiting with his kids, grandkids, and extended family. He made time to talk with people about their lives. He loved to read and study the Bible, sing hymns, and pray. Bob loved to talk about Jesus. His perspective on life and eternity radically changed when he surrendered his life to Jesus, in his 30's. He loved to encourage others and hear encouraging testimony from others. He rarely missed Sunday School or church and loved to sing hymns in the Sunday night service. Even though his life was rarely easy, Bob was a very positive man and took pleasure in very simple everyday things like spicy food, peanut butter chocolate milkshakes, sunshine, gardening, sports, gospel songs, and the outdoors. 

Bob once said that he never made more than around $22,000 a year teaching but considered himself a wealthy man. He loved well and was well-loved. His Heavenly Father has welcomed him home. 

Gwen, Bob’s loving wife of 65 years, passed away 15 days after him on January 6, 2025.

Bob is survived by his children: Tim (Jodi) of Yorkville, IL; Becky of Ellendale; Toby (Shelli) of Yorkville, IL; Jill of Yorkville, IL; and Todd of Dekalb, IL. 

His grandchildren: Chelsea (Oliver) of Wheaton, IL; Treasure (Nick) of Lexington, IL; Josh of Venice Beach, CA; Alexa (Trevor) of Denver, CO; Madison of Chicago, IL; Kiley of Cortland, IL.

Preceding Bob in death are his parents, his brother Jim (Marion), his sister Norma (Bob) Laird.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Bob and Gwen at the Ellendale Nazarene Church on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Kelly Riggan officiating. The Celebration service will be live streamed at hovenfuneralchapel.com on Bob’s obituary page. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Please check Bob’s obituary page at hovenfuneralchapel.com for any service time updates.

A wonderful way to honor Bob would be to make a donation to Gideons or Trinity Bible College.

(Obituary supplied by the family)