Robert Grove McDermott Sr., age 93, of Owatonna, died November 22, 2014, at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.
Bob was born July 31, 1921 in Farmington, MN to Robert Vincent and Evelyn (Grove) McDermott. He attended Farmington Public Schools and graduated from Farmington High in 1939. After graduation Bob worked for a local grocery store and studied Morse code hoping to work for the railroads as a telegraph operator. In 1941 he was hired by Milwaukee Railroad, and worked there for 27 years.
Bob married Emily Bergetta Sauber on September 26, 1944 in Farmington. They lived in Rosemount, Farmington, moved to Owatonna in 1962, spent a few years in Mankato, and then back to Owatonna in 1982. After working for the railroad he worked at Jostens, and retired as a grain inspector for the State of Minnesota. He then worked part time for Hy Vee grocery store in Owatonna for many years. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob's biggest interests in life were his family. He also liked to fish, hunt and play cards in various card clubs.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Emily; infant son, Patrick Thomas McDermott; parents; and one sister Blanche (Joe) Boley.
He is survived by his children, John (Mary Jean) McDermott, of Owatonna, Maureen (Dennis)Wavrin, of Maple Grove, Robert Jr. (Kim) McDermott, of Kasson, Monica (Gary) Lurken, of Owatonna, David (Barb) McDermott, of The Villages, FL, Margery (Thomas) Harkins, of Lake City, Michelle (Robert) Lynch, of Lake City, and Mark (Lola) McDermott, of Owatonna; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one brother Gene (Marilyn) McDermott; brother-in law, Marnae Krueger; two-sister-in laws; Joan Gerten and Audrey Rademacher; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials preferred to Homestead Hospice house or donors choice
Friends may greet the family from 4-8PM Friday, November 28, at the Brick Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd) and one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10:00AM Saturday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (810 S. Cedar Ave.), Owatonna. Interment St. Michael Cemetery, Farmington. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 3:45PM on Friday before the visitation at the funeral home. |