Robert Beaver

Robert Beaver, 91 of Kasson, MN, formerly Hayfield, passed away from ALS on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at his home.

Robert was born on August 19, 1929 in Rochester, MN to Alfred and Hilda (Haukom) Beaver.  He attended District 142 grade school and Hayfield High School.  He married Joy Peters in Pepin, WI on November 27, 1953.  Robert joined the Army in January 1954 attending Basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Kansas and in Aberdeen Maryland then spending 16 months in Augsburg Germany.

Robert grew up on the family farm and eventually took over from his father.  He lived and raised his family on the farm until 1998 when he and Joy built a house and moved to Kasson.  Robert has been a lifetime and active member of the West St. Olaf Lutheran church in rural Hayfield, where he was baptized and confirmed, serving on the cemetery board for over 35 years.  He had been actively involved in Farmers Union and the Vernon Co-op Creamery holding various roles.  Up until his passing, he was  active in the St. Olaf Heritage Association and the Hiawatha Car Club.

Robert was a car nut and said he was born that way.  Over the years he acquired numerous antique cars with many favorites but his amphicar seemed to be his most prized.  A huge collection of model cars and memorabilia has filled an entire room in the home.  Hobbies included airplanes and flying getting a pilot license in 1960, wood working and special interests in old tractors, historic collectables, community history, and family genealogy.

Robert and Joy wintered in Arizona for over 20 years.  He enjoyed meeting and making new friends and learning new games to bring home and share with the family.  Robert liked filming family gatherings celebrating birthdays and holidays.  He loved to create hand crafted wood projects for family members plus playing cards with his family and friends.

Robert is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Joy; children, Jane Estby, Todd (Denice) Beaver, Cindy (Troy) Stoppel; brother, David (Sandy) Beaver; 10 grandchildren, Meagan (Nate) Cole, Rachel (Jared) Johnson, Cassie Beaver, Heidi (Jacob) Sellers, Hans (Breanna) Estby, Ike Estby, Amber (Brian) Haley, Erin Beaver, Coty (Holly) Stoppel and Charles Stoppel; and 14 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Beaver, son-in-law, Peter Estby, and his parents, Alfred & Hilda Beaver.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2020 at West St. Olaf Church, 70640 260 ^th Ave in Hayfield with Pastor Paul Thompson officiating.  Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7 ^th St SE in Kasson and one hour prior to the service at the church Monday.  Interment will be in West St. Olaf Church cemetery directly following the service.  Military honors will be provided by the Hayfield American Legion Post 330.  Due to the current health concerns and restrictions, please respect social distancing, and the wearing of face masks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the West St. Olaf Cemetery Fund, St. Olaf Heritage Association, or the ALS Association.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510.

Blessed be his memory.