Dr. Robert William de Werd, M.D., loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully at Koda Living Community on January 21, 2017, at the age of 86, surrounded by family.
Bob was born on March 9, 1930, in Olivia, MN to Maurice and Clara (Watry) de Werd. He graduated as Salutatorian from Olivia High School in 1948, from the University of St. Thomas in 1951 (Pre-Med), and from the Stritch School of Medicine of Loyola University in Chicago in 1955.
In spring 1954, while living in Chicago's Hyde Park, Bob was introduced to the love of his life, Rita Mae Birner of Waupaca, WI, who was dating his roommate George Haley at the time. As Bob put it in his own words in a 2005 interview, "George was very gracious" as he and Rita started dating and were engaged at Christmas mass in Olivia, MN, in 1954.
Bob graduated from medical school on June 8, 1955, in Chicago, and he and Rita were married on June 11, 1955, in Milwaukee, WI. After an internship at the Milwaukee County Hospital, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon for three years (1956-1959), which brought Bob and Rita to San Antonio, TX, and Chandler, AZ. They also started their family during those "wonderful" Air Force years; together, Bob and Rita would raise five children.
After the Air Force, Bob joined the Owatonna Clinic (now Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna) as a physician in 1959, and the young family moved to Owatonna, MN, where they would become lifelong active and vibrant members of the community.
"Owatonna was a great place for us and our family. The Owatonna Clinic was very supportive, and Doctors A.J. Olson, Frank C. Anderson, and D.A. Honath were wonderful mentors and friends." (2005 interview)
Known as a doctor with a heart of gold, Bob always gave his patients his utmost attention and respect during his years at the Clinic. He was thoughtful and compassionate towards his patients, colleagues, and peers; the embodiment of a true gentleman. It is estimated that he delivered 3,000 babies in his career, until his retirement in 1998.
Bob had many interests, but his passions undoubtedly revolved around his family's athletics and serving the Owatonna community. Bob was a co-founder of the Owatonna Youth Hockey Association and the Blue Line Club, and served as president for both organizations many times over. He also served as the team physician for 25 years for OHS hockey and football and coached youth hockey, including coaching his own children. Bob was an active supporter of countless Owatonna organizations over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, the Steele County Historical Society, and the Owatonna Arts Center, along with Rita. Bob was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. An avid outdoorsmen, Bob grew up hunting and fishing with his father and brothers, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life. He also enjoyed reading, playing golf, and watching the Twins, Vikings, and Wild.
But Bob's greatest source of joy came from his own family; he was a loving father and attentive and adoring grandfather. Bob cherished watching his own children and grandchildren in high school and collegiate athletics, and spending the summers at the family cabin on Green Lake in Spicer, MN. He and Rita, with whom he shared sixty-one happy and devoted years of marriage, also enjoyed their many travels and often visited friends and family across the United States.
Survivors include wife Rita; five children, Dr. Thomas (& Katherine) de Werd of Plymouth, MN; Bradley (& Jane) de Werd of Rochester, MN; Douglas (& Ingrid) de Werd of Willow Springs, TX; Michael (& Joni) de Werd of Chetek, WI; Mary (& David) Johnston of Rosemount, MN; eleven grandchildren, Theresa Bennett; Ryan (& Lauren) de Werd; Christopher (& Bethany) de Werd; Andrea de Werd; Sondra de Werd; Jesse (& Lexy) Hellerud ; Morgan (& Josh) Gulbranson; Nicholas (& Kylie) de Werd; Alaina de Werd; Olivia Johnston; Anna Johnston; and great-grandchildren, Aubree Mae Gulbranson; Goeller Robert de Werd; Alyssa; Lilly; and Maia; and two brothers, Thomas de Werd and Dr. Daniel (& Constance) de Werd. Bob was preceded in death by his sister Betty de Werd, brother Dr. Maurice de Werd, sister-in-law Dorothy de Werd, sister-in-law Diane de Werd, and his parents.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd., Owatonna). There will be a 7 p.m. Knights of Columbus rosary. A celebration of his life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (512 S Elm Ave., Owatonna), with a one-hour visitation starting at 10 a.m., and a luncheon following mass at the Elks Lodge (126 E Vine St.). Military rites will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Arts Center or the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary.
The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude for the dignified and attentive care that Bob received from the staff at Koda Living Community |