March 1, 1959 - November 14, 2023
Robert John Lothenbach
“Bob”
Age 64, of Bloomington/Wayzata, died unexpectedly of natural causes on November 14, 2023. Beloved father, innovative business entrepreneur and passionate thoroughbred owner/breeder.
Bob was born on March 1, 1959 to Lorraine and Frank Lothenbach, Sr., a hardworking baker and butcher. He was raised in Bloomington, Minnesota with his two older brothers and best friends, Frank and Jack. Together they were raised with a strong work ethic, sense of humor, honesty and integrity. These qualities would hold throughout Bob’s life. After graduating from Bloomington Kennedy in 1977, he worked for several local print shops.
His childhood gave him the stepping stones to forge his own path. In 1988, he started Bob’s Printing, in his garage, which quickly grew into a prominent printing company, Challenge Printing which evolved into Imagine! Print Solutions. In 2015, this company was the 14th largest printer in the United States. Some of his previous achievements included winning the 2001 Vendor Award of Excellence for Challenge Printing and being inducted into Printing Industry Hall of Fame.
As a child, his father purchased a Shetland pony for the boys. This would kick off his passion for racehorses for the rest of his life. Bob’s horses raced and won at America’s most prestigious tracks. Since 2000, they earned 793 victories and more than $30.3 million in purses, making Lothenbach Stables one of the most successful thoroughbred operations in the country. Its racing silks, royal blue with red diamonds, represented a stable known for balancing quality, integrity and a deep respect for the horse. While Bob’s thoroughbreds ran at places like Saratoga and Churchill Downs, his local track—Canterbury Park—always held a special place in his heart. He won five titles as leading owner, and his horses set a Canterbury Park record with $1.52 million in earnings in 2022. Bob also raised the bar for Minnesota’s thoroughbred owners and breeders. His pursuit of excellence led him to breed and purchase top-quality horses to race at his home track, spurring others to upgrade their stables as well. Bob’s dedication to Canterbury Park and to Minnesota racing earned him a place in the track’s Hall of Fame in 2023. The local stars for Lothenbach Stables include Midnight Current, Canterbury’s horse of the year in 2022, along with Charlie’s Penny, Love the Nest and Giant Payday. Nationally, Bob’s horses won 87 races and more than $4 million in 2022, ranking the stable sixth in the country in wins and ninth in purse earnings. His most successful horse, Bell’s the One, ran third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in 2020. Some of his notable achievements in the racing industry include: 2021 Minnesota Owned Horse of the Year; 2002, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Leading Owner at Canterbury; 2022 Minnesota’s Outstanding Breeder of the Year, All time Earning Record, Member of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA); and induction into Canterbury Park Hall of Fame.
Bob’s philanthropic work was anchored by his formation of the Lothenbach Family Foundation, with a focus on children’s literacy and race horses. He was a proud advocate and supporter of Horses for Mental Health and Abijah’s on the Backside.
Far beyond his tireless work ethic and love of horses, was his love for his family. His four children meant the world to him and he was proud of each of their accomplishments. He spent the last five years building his dream home that would be an oasis for his children, family and generations to come. Bob’s one true dream was to have grandchildren to spoil with love. His legacy of hard work, honesty, integrity and kindness will continue to be shared by all who loved and adored him. Future generations will know the story of Bob and all the love he had to share.
Survived by his children, Clare Lothenbach, Audrey Lothenbach, Michael Lothenbach and Ryan Lothenbach; brothers, Frank (Valerie) Lothenbach Jr. and Jack Lothenbach; nieces, Nicole Nelson and Alyssa (Jason) Essig; loyal dog, Bella; and hundreds of beloved race horses. Preceded in death by parents, Lorraine and Frank Lothenbach Sr.; numerous aunts and uncles.
Celebration of Life
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
12:00PM (noon)
Visitation 1 hour prior
Canterbury Park
Expo Center
1100 Canterbury Park
Shakopee, MN 55379
Click here to be routed to the live-stream link.
I always enjoyed talking to Bob. He was fun and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Bob was an incredible man father brother son ! He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life. I want him to know he made a huge impact on my life! And I will think of him everyday going forward. Love and miss you Bob ! Bella and the girls send all their love to you….
Clare, Audrey, Michael and Ryan
You all are in my thoughts as you grieve your Dad’s passing. He was extremely kind and generous to the
Hendrickson’s on many occasions. Prayers of love and healing to you during this difficult time! Mary Jane ❤️
I only met Bob a few times but the impression he Left will last forever. May his soul rest on peace
What a huge loss! Bob’s positive energy, vision and enthusiasm were both contagious and inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with his kids, family and friends.
Bob was an absolutely wonderful person. He came into my life through my daughter Susie. When my husband died, Bob flew to Sioux Falls and he made all the funeral arrangements. He took care of everything for us. He was a friend to Susie and Logan right up until the time he died and I wish I could’ve told him that I love him. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I send love to his children, who were sweet beautiful kids. Bette Williams
Clare, Audrey, Michael, Ryan,
Your father was an amazing man. Nothing occupied his mind or his topics of conversation more than that of his children. His eyes would brighten & his smile grow wide and he would stop whatever we were doing every time his phone rang and it was one of you kids. Nothing made him happier than getting your calls.
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with the Lothenbach family.
Love
Jimmy & Tiffany
Mr. Lothenbach did so much for the horse racing industry in Minnesota and nationally. He was a very loyal owner. All of his trainers deeply respected him and he was wonderful to work for. He was a true asset to the game and all those who came in contact with him. I pray for all who are grieving his loss.
Clare, Audrey, Michael and Ryan, my heart breaks for all of you on this terrible loss. Deepest condolences. You are in my heart.
I met Bob back in 1983 when I began my printing business and he was a salesman at Crosstown Printing. What he did with his printing business over the years was simply astounding. He will be missed.
Clair, Audrey, Michael, Ryan
and the entire Lothenbach Family,
Words cannot suffice to express my deepest condolences, heartfelt sadness that I feel for the passing of our beloved Bob. Family was his everything, as he will continue to watch over you with love, guidance and protection. Heaven gained an Angel, one of a kind, big hearted full of life wild one… deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
If there is anything I can do to support you and the family, I am here for you always. All my love
Bob was truly one of a kind. He made you feel important no matter who you were and never made me feel like anything but family. I am so thankful for all of my experiences and memories with the Lothenbachs, and my relationship with Clare, Audrey, Michael and Ryan is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Rest easy, Bob. Your legacy will live on through your amazing children and the many lives you touched.