Robert O. Germundson, 88

Robert O. Germundson, 88, of Elbow Lake, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at ELEAH Medical Center in Elbow Lake.

Robert was born Oct. 9, 1919, in Elbow Lake to Albert and Tilda (Christianson) Germundson. The family moved to a farm outside of Elbow Lake and continued to farm on various farms in the area. Robert, Donnie, and their parents moved to a farm on the edge of Elbow Lake by Flekkefjord Lake in about 1954, where Robert and Donnie continued to farm until Donnie died in 1978.

Following Donnie’s death, Robert retired from farming. Robert also worked for a time in Minneapolis for Northrup King. Robert served his country during World War II from May 11, 1945, to Dec. 5, 1946.

Robert was married to Virginia Knutson in 1976, and they lived on the farm with Donnie.

Robert’s nieces and nephews have many fond memories of the many Christmas’s spent in the big house on the farm. While everyone was begging to open gifts, and even as the mothers all said, “No, not until we eat,” Robert and Don would sneak up the stairs and bring down their gifts. Robert enjoyed giving in to his nieces and nephews, and they each knew that all too well.

Gardening was a favorite hobby of Roberts’s and there was never a weed in his big garden. He also loved getting on his lawn mower and caring for the lawn, which always looked like a park.

It saddened him when he was no longer able to mow. He also enjoyed fishing, which he and Donnie did a lot of after the crops were planted.

In 2006, Robert suffered a stroke and in November 2007, he moved to the Rolling Hills Residence-Assisted Living in Barrett. He moved to the Barrett Care Center on April 17.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Osborne and Donnie; sister, Harriet Farmer and brother-in-law Matt Farmer; a nephew, Ronnie Germundson; and brother-in-law Glynn Antonsen.

Survivors include his sister, Ruth Antonsen of Columbia Heights; and brother, Roger (Clara) Germundson of Blaine; a sister-in-law, Edith Germundson of Alexandria; five nieces and one nephew; and his lifelong friend, neighbor and cousin, Orlin Windom. He and Orlin entered the Service together and lived as neighbors Robert’s whole life.

Funeral services were Saturday at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, with the Rev. Bob Toso officiating. Burial was in Ness Cemetery. Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake was in charge of arrangements.