Robert James Lavoie

Robert (Bob) Lavoie was born on May 12, 1933 to Van and Lucille (LaVallie) Lavoie on their farm near Russell, Minnesota. He resided most of his life in the Russell area, graduating from Russell High School. Bob was united in marriage to Sharon Cox and resided a short period of time in the Twin Cities. They were blessed with four children. Bob was a self-taught bricklayer and was very involved in the Bricklayer’s Association. He won an “excellent service” award for his many years of service throughout southern Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Bob belonged to and was active in the union and he served as secretary. He was noted as one of the best bricklayers around, and he really enjoyed and was proud of his work. Following an accidental fall in the beginning of May, Bob was admitted to Avera Regional Hospital in Marshall, Minnesota. He then entered Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota where on Monday, May 28, 2012 Bob died at the age of 79 years and 16 days.

Bob married Aino Sumption in 1968 and the couple resided in Russell. Their union was blessed with 43 years of life together. Bob served as mayor of Russell and took great pride in serving his community. The winter months Bob did snow removal for various businesses within the Russell community. His hobbies included gardening and continuing to do various brick work.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife, Aino of Edgerton, Minnesota; his four children, sons Jesse (and Espe) of Iona, Minnesota, Michael (and Jean) of Brier, Washington, and Bartley (and Waty) of Los Angeles, California, and daughter Leisha Lavoie of Slayton, Minnesota; step-children, Rita (and Bob) Nesteby of Phoenix, Arizona, Lilah (and Marv) Meier of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Peggy (and Billy) Pomranke of Mankato, Minnesota; six grandchildren; seven step-granchildren; five great-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (and Maxine) of Marshall, Minnesota, Ronnie (and Mary) of Tracy, Minnesota, and David of Russell, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.