Robert F. Ingersoll Sr., 88, Austin

Published 10:46 am Thursday, July 11, 2013

Robert F. Ingersoll Sr., 88, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center, Austin.

Robert Ingersoll

Robert was born July 26, 1924, in Austin to Frank and Beulah (Peake) Ingersoll. A 1944 graduate of Austin High School, Bob began working nights as a laborer for Hormel Foods Corporation during his senior year. He worked there until his retirement in 1982. From 1946 to 1949, he served his country in the United States Air Force. On Feb. 11, 1950, Robert was united in marriage to Caroline Schroeder at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. She passed away in 1975. In December 1979, Bob married Vera Joel at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Vera passed away in 1987.

Bob enjoyed camping, fishing, doing yard work and gardening. He was especially proud of his tomato crops. A member of the American Legion and St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Bob enjoyed music and spending time with his family. In 2013, he moved to Comforcare.

Survivors include his two sons, Robert Ingersoll Jr. of Austin and William G. (Mary) Ingersoll of Farmer City, Ill.; his stepsons, Phillip (Debbie) Erickson of Austin and Eric (Judy) Erickson of Marshalltown, Iowa; seven grandchildren; 13 step grandchildren; special friend Elizabeth “Betty” Sackmaster of Onalaska, Wis.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Beulah Ingersoll, first wife Caroline, second wife Vera, three brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Elizabeth Endicott officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91. The family prefers that memorials be directed to St. Olaf Church. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.