Bob was known as an encouraging and exacting teacher, who also contributed in many other ways to campus life. He served as chapel organist and as a resident master; he chaperoned student tours to Italy in the 90s; he worked with the student arts magazine and curated the collection in the school museum for the sesquicentennial. In addition, he initiated the community service requirement for graduation and served as that program’s director. Most notably, he indefatigably researched the first 150 years of Shattuck-St. Mary’s and was proud of the trove of historical data he uncovered. It was published as “For a Life of Learning and Service: How Shattuck-St. Mary’s Came to Be.”

    He carried his scholarship, his interest in history, and dedication to service into his community activities, especially after he retired in 2008. He participated enthusiastically in courses of the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium, delivered Meals on Wheels, served on the board of Habitat for Humanity, and was an active member of the Travelers Club. He also wrote a column for the Daily News about the history of Faribault and had recently been named chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission. Neslund had been elected to the Board of Trustees at the NEHA Annual Conference this past June in Portland.

    Church involvement played a large part in Bob’s life as a member of the congregation of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. Among his many church activities were choir, senior warden, diocesan historian, “Friends of the First Cathedral” newsletter, and board member of the Community Cathedral Café. He co-authored “The First Cathedral,” with Benjamin Scott and was honored with the dean’s cross.

    Bob’s life touched many. He put into practice his core values of intellectual curiosity, faith, friendship, respect and concern for others, appreciation for the arts and humanities, and regard for tradition but openness to innovation.