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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Remembering Bob Bardwell (1946–2025) | Ironwood Springs Founder & Faith Leader [#BobBardwell]

Hi everyone,

“Don’t Quit – Finish Strong.”

With heavy hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Bob Bardwell (1946–2025) — founder of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, wheelchair marathoner, minister, and a living testimony of faith, service, and resilience.

After a paralyzing injury in 1973, Bob founded Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch based in Stewartville, Minnesota in 1976, turning personal tragedy into a thriving ministry that now reaches over 16,000 people annually, including veterans, youth, and families with disabilities.

In this tribute, we remember his powerful journey, the lives he touched, and the enduring impact of his message: “Don’t Quit – Finish Strong.”

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch stated on their Facebook page: “Bob taught us all the meaning of true faith and perseverance, despite our personal challenges. Bob loved God, his family, his country, and the thousands of people who came into contact with him.”

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 3–6 PM CT at the Ironwood Springs chapel.

The Bible says in Matthew 25:23
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Please share your memories of Bob Bardwell and messages for the Bardwell family in the Comments section.

https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodspringsranch/posts/1174210934750318
Source: Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Facebook Account, @ironwoodspringsranch

“Well done good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23
It’s hard to imagine anyone who has lived out God’s calling as well as our founder Bob Bardwell did over his 78 years and especially through the creation of this special place of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. Bob taught us all the meaning of true faith and perseverance, despite our personal challenges. Bob loved God, his family, his country, and the thousands of people who came into contact with him. I don’t think there were many talks by Bob where these were not clearly evident. We could add a lot more words but I think all of those who are posting on his fb page and elsewhere can say it better. They are the ones who were impacted through their relationship with Bob or through their time at Ironwood Springs. Visitation for the family will be Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 from 3-6pm at the Ironwood Springs chapel. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Summary of the passing of Bob Bardwell, founder of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch:

Bob Bardwell (1946–2025): A Life of Courageous Faith & Impact

Death Announcement
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, based in Stewartville, Minnesota, shared via Facebook that Bob Bardwell passed away at age 78 on Thursday, July 24, 2025

His Inspiring Journey
In 1973, a construction accident left Bardwell paralyzed from the waist down. Instead of despair, he chose purpose—founding Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in 1976. The ranch, now serving thousands with disabilities, veterans, families, and youth each year, stands as his legacy of hope.

Despite his injury, Bardwell completed over 100 wheelchair marathons, including five Boston Marathons—using his physical challenges to inspire resilience and perseverance in others.

Defined by the motto painted on his wheelchair wheels—“Don’t Quit – Finish Strong”—Bardwell embodied unwavering faith, service, and joy, touching countless lives through his ministry and leadership

Legacy & Community Mourning
The ranch described Bardwell as a man who taught “true faith and perseverance, despite our personal challenges,” affirming that he “loved God, his family, his country, and the thousands of people who came into contact with him/”

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners honored Bardwell as a local hero during their July 16, 2025 meeting, emphasizing his transformative impact serving over 16,000 people annually through varied programs and retreats.

Memorial & Remembrance
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 3–6 p.m. at the Ironwood Springs chapel. A private memorial service will follow at a later date.

The community is encouraged to share personal memories and messages, as a way of surrounding the Bardwell family with gratitude and love during this time of loss.

REMEMBERING BOB BARDWELL (1946–2025) | Ironwood Springs Founder & Faith Leader | Christian Breaking News!

REMEMBERING BOB BARDWELL (1946–2025) | Ironwood Springs Founder & Faith Leader MEMORIAL: SUN., AUG 3 | Christian Breaking News!