Memorial service for Robert “Bob” Hale Jr., 78, of rural Stewartville, was Sat., Dec. 22 at the United Methodist Church in Stewartville. Rev. Bridget Sheely officiated. Mr. Hale died Mon., Dec. 17, at his home, surrounded by family, following a lengthy illness with C.O.P.D. 

 

Robert Donald Hale Jr. was born April 14, 1940 on the Hale Family Farm in rural Stewartville to Robert and Dorothy(Fenwick) Hale Sr.

 

He grew up on the family farm, attended Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville H.S. in 1958. He graduated from the Minneapolis Police Academy and then was employed by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department in Rochester,MN.  Bob was married on Feb. 21, 1959 at the Racine United Methodist Church to Joyce L. Vinton. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Stewartville for a few years before moving to the Hale Family Farm where they raised their sons and lived for a number of years. They were later divorced. Bob was employed for 4 years as an Olmsted County Deputy, before farming full time. He was also employed on a seasonal basis with Seneca Foods in Rochester for a number of years. Bob was remarried on May 2, 1987 at the Racine United Methodist Church to Jona Helget. They lived together on the Hale Farm, where Jona was employed as a cosmetologist in Rochester and Bob continued to farm. Bob was a longtime member of the Racine United Methodist Church. He was well known as a natural mechanic who could figure out and fix most anything. He enjoyed fishing, following NASCAR and taking road trips with Jona. He enjoyed visiting with friends and loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.

 

Bob is survived by his wife – Jona;  2 sons – Greg(Heather) and Sean(Ann) both of rural Stewartville; 1 step –daughter and 2 step-sons – Troy(Jill) Helget of Racine; Dawn Zabinski and Monte(Kelly) Helget both of South Haven; 18 grandchildren - Gabi, Emma, and Emmerson, Josie, Jessie and Jada, Amanda, Jesup, Jocelyn, Jack and Tristan, Joshua, Alyssa, and Jeremy, Keanna, Kasey and Kamryn and one great grandchild; his sister – Barb(Roger) Traxler of St. Charles,  and 2 brothers – Donald(Peggy) Hale of Hudson, WI. and Roger(Corrine) Hale of Sherman, TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Jeffrey (infant) and James, and first wife – Joyce Vinton.

 

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place 1 hour prior to the service at the United Methodist Church on Saturday morning in Stewartville. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. On-line condolences and memories of Bob are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com