Minnetonka, MN - Robert Allen "Bobby" Olds passed away peacefully at home Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the age of 80. Bobby was born October 29, 1945 in St. Paul, MN, and was preceded in death by his parents James Rogers Olds and Alberta Beth (Cooper) Olds, his brother Clifton (Susan Weir) and brother James Jr. Bobby is survived by his wife Nancy (McClure) Olds, son Brian (Joanne), daughter Gretchen Pingree (David), six grandchildren - William, Tyler, and Andrew Olds; Payton, Morgan, and Bridget Pingree, and niece Elizabeth "Bimba" Weir Olds.

Bobby graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1963 where many of his life-long friendships were formed. As a freshman at Macalester College, his golf team dominated the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), winning the 1964 MIAC Championship. That summer he was married to his high school sweetheart Nancy, completed his PGA certification in San Francisco, CA, and began his career in golf as an Assistant Professional at Minnetonka Country Club and then Columbine Country Club in Denver, CO. The family returned to Minnesota in 1970 when Bobby was offered the Head Golf Professional job at Minnetonka CC, where he remained until his retirement in 2008.

Bobby enjoyed a competitive playing career and an even more accomplished vocational career during his four decades of service at MCC. He won the Minnesota PGA Foundation Pro-Am (1987) and qualified for the National PGA Club Professional Championship four times. More significantly, he influenced advancement of the sport in the Upper Midwest at both the state and sectional level - serving on the Minnesota PGA Section Board of Directors from 1975-1984, and as President 1981-1982. In 1982 he was named the Minnesota Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Bobby was instrumental in establishing the Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Academy, formalizing a goodwill match-play competition between professionals and amateurs, promoting the annual MGA-PGA Cup Matches, and driving the creation of the Minnesota Women's Open Championship, which Minnetonka Country Club hosted from 1985-1987. Bobby was considered "a dedication to his profession," a mentor, an exceptional teaching Pro, and a great boss. In 2019, he was inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame.

Besides playing golf, Bobby enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Big Trout Lake near Crosslake, duck & pheasant hunting at the "hunting shack" in western MN, skiing (including as a Skijammers instructor), telling memorable stories, and frequenting Walt Disney World - all with his friends and family. Bobby was a great friend to many; he was kind, hardworking, generous with his time, and always focused his attention on fun. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and loving, involved father.

We appreciate everyone who has reached out to share their kind words, love, appreciation, and support for Bobby. Your fondness, friendship and shared experiences will keep his memory alive and help to honor his time on this earth. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held June 11th, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30pm at The Marsh

(15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka)