Robert Stanius, 86, of Isanti, passed away on Monday, December 21 at his family home. A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 15 at Long Lake Community Cemetery. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN.
Robert Lee Stanius was born on January 22, 1934 in a bedroom of the Stanius homestead, a Century Farm in Isanti, along with his twin sister, Ruth Leone (Becklin) to Sophia and Robert Stanius. As was custom, he went through eighth grade at the Oxlip School and then attended the Cambridge High School. He would share stories about school, his classmates and favorite teacher, Mrs. Florence Olson. In his younger days, he helped area farmers picking cucumbers, putting up hay and any other jobs they needed done. He could hardly wait for them to call so he could earn $1.50/day.
On October 4, 1952 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Hermstad, whom he had met through mutual friends. They lived on the family farm with his father, Robert, raising dairy cows, pigs (feeder) and crops to feed the animals. Their daughter, Debee, was born in 1953 and daughter Cheryl, in 1961. Robert was passionate about farming and enjoyed talking with other farmers. He and Harold Peterson bought and shared machinery together to keep costs down. When he could be dragged off of the farm, he and Char traveled to California, Chicago, Sweden, Hawaii, Arizona, the Panama Canal and Florida. He served on the Minnco Credit Union Board for 24 years and also on the Stanford School Board.
Robert is preceded in death by his daughter, Debee McGovern, wife, Charlotte Stanius, and sister, AnnaMae (Strom) Gahlon. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Stanius-Deiman (David) of Minneapolis, son-in-law Chuck McGovern (Debee) of Mora; grandsons David and Will Deiman, Drew (Allison) McGovern, Rob McGovern, Clint (Monica) McGovern. Great grandchildren Cordelia, LuElla, twins, Mavis and Wallace; Noah and Nevaeh; Colette and Margaret; sisters Marjorie Stake of Los Gatos, CA and Ruthie Becklin of Cambridge, MN, as well as many dear nieces and nephews.
Robert spent his entire life in the house he was born and died in. He maintained a special connection with his twin sister, Ruthie, and they were known to call each other once or more a day, teasing one another. He was the family historian and would share stories about the family at the Stanius Family Reunions hosted at the farm each summer and would rattle off details about the farm. Bob always looked forward to visits from his grandsons and great-grandchildren. He was also known to offer a pinch of snuff here and there. His cribbage buddies would come over every Friday morning to play, up until Covid: Bobby Peterson, Dave Muylaert and Denny Stanius.
A special thank you to Gentle Hands of Time-Cambridge, Allina Hospice, Dr Peltier and Connie.
Cheryl and Family,
Sending hugs, love and prayers on the passing if your dear father.
Sincere sympathy from the Wentworth family..
Very sorry to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. This feels like a closed chapter for the memorable times we spent at the farm. I do miss those days so much, and the farm life. Bob was a hard worker, quirky funny and passionate about his life and family in his own way. Big hugs to Cheryl my closest cousin and also to the entire family.
I am so sorry about Bob, what a great man, enjoyed visiting with him , always so entertaining,
Cheryl so sorry for the lost of your father. And the lost of our neighbor Bob. Many stories and laughs to remember!
Cheryl, so sorry for the lost of your father. And the lost of our neighbor Bob. Many stories and laughs to remember!