Bob Dettmer - About Bob

About Bob

Bob was born and raised on a small dairy farm outside of Faribault, Minnesota. One of five children, Bob quickly learned the virtues of hard work and dedication.

After graduating from high school, Bob attended Bemidji State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. While attending BSU, Bob wrestled his way to a National title and was an All-American athlete.

Shortly before graduating Bob married Colleen Wendt. Together, they have raised twin sons and a daughter. Robb and Travis are both graduates of West Point Military Academy and currently serve as Majors in the United States Army. Krystle is following in her father’s footsteps as an educator and has taught English abroad.

After graduating in the spring of 1973, Bob and Colleen moved to Forest Lake where Bob was hired to his first (and only) teaching position at Forest Lake High School. Bob was the Head Wrestling Coach for the Rangers from 1975 - 2007. Under his leadership, the teams accumulated a 361-134-2 record. This record ranks Bob as 17th out of 256 high school wrestling coaches in Minnesota.

Bob has received numerous awards as an athlete and as a coach, including: NAIA National Wrestling Champion, NAIA Hall of Fame, Bemidji State Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and both High School and College Athlete of the Year awards.

Bob’s career as a Teacher and a Coach gave him the opportunity to help 14 students achieve the title of Individual State Champion - 62 of his students were Individual State Place Winners and an impressive 111 Individual State Participants. Other highlights include: a State Team Championship and one 4th and 5th place finish. You can still see Bob on the wrestling mats as he continues his service to the sport of wrestling by officiating high school wrestling for the Minnesota State High School League.

In addition to being a husband, a father, and serving his local community through 34 years of teaching and coaching, Bob also serves his country as member of the Army Reserves. Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) Dettmer is a highly decorated soldier. In November, 2001, Bob was called to active duty serving in Fort Gordon, Georgia and then Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

With his teaching career coming to a close in the spring of 2006, Bob felt compelled to serve the community in other aspects. A newcomer to the political scene, Bob saw an opportunity to serve again, as Rep. Ray Vandeveer vacated his House seat to run for the State Senate. In a challenging year for Republicans, Bob won a decisive victory with over a 10-point margin.

As our State Representative, Bob serves on the following committees: Property Tax Division, Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy Finance, K-12 Education Finance, Rules Committee and Veterans Affairs.

Bob has both authored and supported legislation that: puts control of our children’s education into the hands of parents; encourages economic growth and job creation; and supports our brave troops both abroad and when they come home.