A Life Unexpected: Faith, Family, Friends, Finns, Farming

A beloved grandfather shares the story of his life in Robert Tormanen's stirring memoir, A Life Unexpected.

Of Finnish descent, Robert and his twin brother, Richard, enjoy an adventurous childhood growing up in a small Minnesota farming community with deep Finnish roots. Mingled alongside idyllic incidents of fun are quite a few near misses, such as the time that Robert almost drowns after getting pinned underneath a horse.

As the years pass, he soon grows into a highly respected member of the US Army. Married to the woman of his dreams, they have ten children together-a full-time job in and of itself. Through it all, Robert never stops striving to support those he loves. Working at various times as a mail carrier, real estate agent, charter bus driver, expediter, farmer, newspaper carrier, and more, his drive and determination are testaments to the kind of man he always endeavors to be.

Even while facing adversity, including the untimely death of his son, a young US Marine, Robert consistently demonstrates strength and faith that inspire his family and community.

A story of love, belief, and the bonds of family, A Life Unexpected is the touching testimony of an endearingly optimistic man.