Robert David Maust, affectionately known as Bob, was born on May 25, 1938, to Chester and Eunice (Pickett) Maust at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. He grew up in the town of Preston and spent his childhood helping out on the family farm, driving tractors, delivering newspapers, and assisting his father at the local creamery. He attended Preston High School, where he proudly earned what he often referred to as his “PH. D.” — a Preston High School Diploma. He married Rozella Drogemuller on February 1, 1958, and they were happily married until her death on February 15, 1992. They had four children together: Mark (Christy) Maust, Bonnie (Greg) Davids, James (Kay) Maust, and Heidi (Trevor) Young. He married Elaine (Kinneberg) Hovelson on December 27, 1994, who has remained faithfully by his side until his passing. He has four step-children: Barb (Wayne) Ristau, Bruce (Michell) Hovelson, Brian (Denise) Hovelson, and Brenda (Marvin) Ristau.
Bob farmed for many years while maintaining employment as a farm loan representative, trucker, mechanic, and agri-fax coordinator for Southeast Minnesota. In 1973, he started working for Harvestore where he had several jobs over the next 10 years including construction manager, sales manager, general manager, engineering consultant and was a top sales supervisor. He was an entrepreneur and started Maust Tire Recycling in 1986, a pioneering company which brought tire recycling to the Midwest. From 1991-1996 he was vice president of tire recycling for BFI operations, both domestic and abroad. In 1996 he joined GreenMan Technologies, Inc. as president of tire recycling and board director. He retired from GreenMan in 2000.
Bob has been deeply committed to his community throughout his life. He served on the school board from 1968-1986 and was clerk/chairman of the board for 12 years. He joined the Root River Power Association Board in 2001 and the Preston Historical Society in 2002, where he played a key role in acquiring the historic boxcar and caboose for his hometown. He was also involved with the Annual Bluff Country Tractor Ride which started in 2014. He joined the Preston City Council in 2013 and was honored as the Trout Days Grand Marshal, alongside his wife Elaine, in 2024. He was also a board member for the Economic Development Authority and was influential in bringing the Minnesota State Veterans Home to Preston. A dedicated Freemason, he was also a lifetime member of the Preston United Methodist Church, where he served as the chairman of Finance during the construction of the current building. He actively participated in Men’s Group, the Codfish Supper, and Men’s Breakfast.
Bob loved to farm, travel, and talk about heavy equipment. He had a lifelong love of tractors. He also adored his dog, Mr. Bear, a very friendly black lab who rarely left his side. Above all else, Bob loved his family. He enjoyed visiting with his family members; playing card games and dominos; and showing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the farm as he rode around on his Gator.
Bob credits his Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Neuman, for teaching him his favorite quote: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” He passed on to his heavenly Father on June 6, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife Elaine, his children and step-children, 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rozella; his brother Francis, and his parents Chester and Eunice.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 16 from 4-7 p.m. at Preston United Methodist Church. Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, also at Preston United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army, Preston Food Shelf, Preston United Methodist Church, or another charitable organization of choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.