Obituary for Robert C. "Bob" Bovee

Bob, traditional musician, singer, storyteller, and keeper of American music history, passed away peacefully on October 12, at his home in Spring Grove, Minnesota, with family by his side.

Born on February 17, 1946, in Nebraska, Bob's love for traditional music was handed down through the cowboy songs, railroad songs, and old-time tunes played by his family.

He was a gifted musician who played guitar, harmonica, banjo, and autoharp. His performances brought together authentic cowboy songs, ballads, blues, ragtime, square dance tunes, sentimental songs, novelty numbers, yodels, and Tin Pan Alley favorites.

Bob played as a solo artist until meeting Pop Wagner in 1971. As a duo they traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe entertaining audiences for five decades.

In 1978, Bob's musical journey took him to St. Louis, Missouri, where he met his wife, Gail Heil, at the St. Louis Frontier Folklife Festival. Shortly after, she joined him in Minneapolis, and later, they made their home in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Gail was his best friend and musical partner for nearly 35 years. Together they performed all over the country, taught, and dedicated their lives to preserving traditional American music and dance. They shared their love of music through their Monday night square dance in Minneapolis and helped establish the Lanesboro Barn Dance and the Bluff Country Gathering, bringing musicians and music lovers together.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Heil; his parents, Vera and Clayton Bovee; his grandmother, Dicey Mason; his aunt, Nannie Mason Linneman; his uncle, Ted Mason; and his stepson, Chris Heil.

Bob is survived by his son, Jean-Paul Bovee (Debbie); grandchildren, Brett Bovee and Lucy Bovee; stepdaughter, Lindsey Heil; stepson, John Heil; step-grandchildren (Lindsey), Finn Dolan and Olivia Dolan; his music family; and many dear friends.

His music, stories, kindness, generosity, witty humor, and dedication to tradition will continue to live on through the many people he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Now reunited with his beloved wife, Gail, where the parting will be no more ...

Plans for a memorial are pending.

Donations can be made in Bob's memory to the Bluff Country Gathering c/o Bluff Country Gathering P.O. Box 18006 Minneapolis MN 55418

www.bluffcountrygathering.org

Online condolences can be left for the family on this site.