Robert Bourne

Robert Don Bourne was born December 11, 1935, the youngest son of Halvor & Amanda Bourne on the family farm in Rosewood Township. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Watson. Bob graduated from the Montevideo High School in 1953. Bob went hand in hand through life with his wife of almost 50 years. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Martha Ostendorf on March 29, 1962, at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. This union was blessed with five children. Bob loved his family very much and always took time to assist family, friends and neighbors whenever and wherever they needed help. There were countless trips to lend a helping hand, to attend a grandchild's special event or just to visit. He was a strong, patient, and caring man, quick with a smile and always willing to listen. Bob kept himself extremely active so he always appeared much younger than his age. He was an ingenious and industrious individual, capable of solving any problem he encountered. A few of his passions were working on cars (old and new), going to auctions and looking for that next big project or treasure. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at Happy's Landing at Lobster Lake. Bob farmed with his Dad for many years until Halvor's passing, then he continued running the Bourne family farm with Evie and the kids. Farming was his love, but to supplement the farm income, he also worked at Friendship Homes, Gibson Trucking, and helped out the Bosch family during the sugar beet harvest. Bob served his country in the United States National Guard for eleven years. He was very involved with the Rosewood United Methodist Church and later the Montevideo United Methodist Church. His sister Marlys said it best, ?Bob was a quiet and unassuming man, but behind the façade there was a man with great feeling and love for his family and all who knew him.? He will be missed. Bob passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, on his farm in Rosewood Township, the same farm where he was born. He was 76 years of age. Bob is survived by his wife Evelyn; five children: Renae and Tom Spehn of New Brighton; Randy and Jan Bourne of Maynard; Rodney and Lorie Ann Bourne of Rolla, Missouri; Ryan Bourne of Fridley and Raquel and Paul Specketer of Shakopee; five sisters: Doris Williamson of Montevideo; Carol and Dave Gilchrist of Alexandria; Pauline and Lem Kittelson of Montevideo; Marlys and Stuart Borstad of Madison and Margaret and Darwin Casler of Alexandria; brother Richard and Loretta Bourne of California; eight grandchildren that were his pride and joy: Kelsey Bourne; Patrick Spehn; Paige Bourne; Evan Spehn; Elliotte Bourne; Mackenzie Spehn; Kaitlyn Spehn and Parker Bourne; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings and their spouses: Marion and Bill Hofner, Alma and Earl Brown, Bert and Norma Bourne and brother-in-law Lloyd Williamson.