Robert "Bob" Thorberg, a Mandan recipient of his neighbors' generosity, died Sunday at 70.

Thorberg had been battling illnesses for years. Not much more than a year ago, Thorberg's house faced demolition after the Mandan City Commission deemed the structure dilapidated and health hazardous.

But a few of Mandan's citizens weren't too comfortable with the idea of destroying an ailing man's home. They volunteered and got businesses to donate to renovate Thorberg's home.

Then, after three months and close to $30,000 of work, the renovation was complete.

One of the most prominent figures in the movement to save Thorberg's home was Rick Colling.

Colling, a member of the North Dakota Patriot Guard and a self-employed life insurance agent, said the renovated house's future is now uncertain.

He said Thorberg likely left the property to a family member or members who can do what they want with the property.

"No matter what happens to the house, it will be his wishes," Colling said.

Colling said it wouldn't be torn down, though, after all the work that went into it.

"It has a $70,000 to $80,000 value," he said. "It'd be a crying shame to be torn down."

Last year, the city commission granted Colling the opportunity to fix up Thorberg's home.

He remembers at first, Thorberg was grumpy, which he credits to his feeling that the community was against him, wanting to tear his house to the ground.

But as the project moved forward and Thorberg began to see its progression, Colling said he became much more amiable.

"When he could actually see it happen - once he could see that it could be renovated - his attitude and health improved," Colling said. "It's a perfect example of a happy body is more healthy than a grumpy body."

(Reach reporter Chris Rosacker at 250-8254 or chris.rosacker.) @bismarcktribune.com