Robert E. Wetherille Jr.

Robert E. Wetherille Jr.

Robert Wetherille Obituary

Published by Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels from Jul. 20 to Jul. 21, 2008.
Wetherille, Robert E. Jr. Born January 30, 1927 in Mpls, died July 19, 2008 in St. Louis Park. Preceded in death by parents, Ella (Huebner) and Robert E. Wetherille; and sister, Marie Donaldson. Survived by wife of 59 years, Rhona; children, Dr. Robert E. III (Nancy), Denise Wetherille Bussa (Mike), and Randall Lee (Jo); grandchildren, Kevin (Jenny) and Kelly Wetherille, Erin Cullen (Bob), Tony, Nick and Peter Bussa, Patrick, Katie and Matthew Wetherille; great- grandson, Shannon Wetherille. Robert grew up in Mpls and graduated from North High School in 1944. US Navy Radio Technician from 1944-1946. Attended University of MN School of Engineering 1946-1948, Mpls Fire Dept. employee, firefighter, captain and Battalion Chief 1948-1992; leadership in Mpls Firefighters Relief Association from 1968-2008. Past involvement with legislative task force on retirement, Citizens League Committee on Pensions, Chamber of Commerce Committee on Taxes and Legislation, The Mayor's Committee on Retirement, Fund Drive for the Salvation Army, Muscular Dystrophy and United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Scout Master, various school and church activities. Past president of National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems. Memorials may be directed to Mpls Firefighters Hall and Museum, 664 22nd Ave NE, Mpls, MN 55418. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Funeral service 10:30 AM Friday, July 25 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Mpls with visitation 1 hour before service at church and also 5-8 PM Thursday, July 24 at: Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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August 4, 2008

Karen Dudley posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2008

Dale Schirmer posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2008

Mary Jo Herkenhoff Cosio posted to the memorial.

Karen Dudley

August 4, 2008

Dear Wetherille Family:
I met Bob, and had the privilege of working with him on firefighters's retirement issues, when I worked at the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement from 1979 to 1986. Bob was a good man. You have my sincere sympathy.

Dale Schirmer

July 27, 2008

A good man. A big plus around the fire station. Great guy to work with.

Mary Jo Herkenhoff Cosio

July 25, 2008

Dear Wetherille Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have good memories of the 'big guy' with the 'big laugh' who used to live across the street from our family so many years ago.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.

jack berg

July 25, 2008

Bob was a good man. Both my father,(Lloyd Berg) and myself knew him from the retirement board. My father was on the Mpls. PD retirement board. I'm a retired policeman.

Karen Graves

July 25, 2008

Randy and family:

Though I did not have the opportunity to meet your father, Randy, I recall hearing about him from you. I also read with interest the wonderful article written about him in the Star Tribune. Though it has been some hears since you and I worked together at Lutheran Brotherhood, I wanted to take this moment to share my sympathy with you and yours.

Kelly Wetherille

July 25, 2008

I couldn't have asked for a better Grandpa than Grandpa Bob. From grandparents' days to school plays, he was always there with a smile on his face. Although he is greatly missed, the memories and stories of him, as well as the lessons he taught us, will be with us forever.

Patrick Wetherille

July 24, 2008

I will miss Grandpa Bob very much. His commitment to a life of service and helping other people is something to which we should all measure ourselves.

There are a few things that come to mind when I think about him now--things I know I will remember for the rest of my life. First, his adornment of our Irish heritage. I don't think I could find a more Irish fellow, even if I scoured the Emerald Isle. His account of visiting Ireland and kissing the Blarney Stone is one that still makes me want to trace my roots there.

I will also remember his chicken and dumplings. Never did such a simple meal excite so many. If you caught word that Grandpa was making chicken and dumplings, you made sure you showed up on time to supper.

I will remember his work as an advocate for firefighters' benefits. I very much enjoyed our discussions about his work lobbying legislators and wish we had more time to talk politics.

I will also remember his friendly nature and optimism. He always had a smile on his face, he always welcomed a friendly chat, and he was always positive. Even when I visited him in the hospital and he was confined to his bed and had difficulty speaking, when I asked him how he was doing, he said "Oh, pretty well." Grandpa Bob never got down on himself, even near the end.

I feel very lucky to have known such a great man and to have shared part of my life with him. Grandpa, we will miss you.

Jim Buchkosky

July 24, 2008

Grandpa Bob, what a prince! I will miss my dinner seating partner at the family holiday gatherings.

Bob & Pam Whitemore

July 24, 2008

Bob & Nancy, we are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We know that it has been a couple of tough months on your family. We didn't know your dad, but we know you and if he is anything like you, he will be missed! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Mamie Fabel

July 23, 2008

Denise's dad, that is what you are to me. You would tell me when the stop sign went up by Minnehaha Falls indicating summer was coming. You always wanted to know what was going on in a person's life. Now you are with my mom and dad and you can keep an eye out for "your girls". You were one of the best. Mamie Heimbach Fabel

Mary Metzler

July 23, 2008

Denise & Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your dad, especially the fire fighter events we attended many years ago! I'm sure he will be missed greatly by family and friends.

Take care,


Metz

David Ganfield

July 22, 2008

Bob inspired me to get involved with the MN State Fire Department Association and with fire pensions. He and Gus Welter were bigger than life to most Firefighters in the 80's and early 90's. I had big shoes to fill when I took over the Secretary position of the MSFDA in 1997. He will be missed.

Dallas & Gloria Henn

July 22, 2008

Thinking of you at this difficult time and sharing in the loss of your loved one. We remember all of the great times we had with Bob and you, Rhona, at the many fire conferences. May you find peace and comfort in your treasured memories.

Isabelle Schulte

July 21, 2008

Dear Rona and Family; We are so sad to learn of Bob's passing. Our reunions just won't be the same. Our prayer are with you. God Bless you. Isabelle and Bernie

Tony Bussa

July 21, 2008

Grandpa Bob--- the impact of his life cannot be dignified in words. His dedicated his life to serving his country, his community and, most importantly, his family. Grandpa Bob will truly be missed.
Love,
Tony

Tony Bussa

July 21, 2008

Grandpa Wetherille--- he was a man whose actions cannot be dignified in words. He used his life to service his country, community and, most importantly, his family. He was truly a great man and will undoubtedly be missed.

Bud Hawkins

July 21, 2008

We were friends for 60 years and I have so many memories on and off the job. I will miss you and look forward to the day we will be together in the fire house in Heaven.

Agnes Lovaas

July 21, 2008

Bob and Jack will be refighing old fires together with all their old friends in heaven and enjoying every minute of it.

Rhona, and family, you are are in my heart and prayers. God be with you all.

Love, Agnes

Erin Cullen

July 21, 2008

Grandpa will be missed greatly. We were lucky to have him in our lives, and will always have the memories.

Steve Kozicky

July 21, 2008

Sorry to hear of the loss of "Fireman Bob". He will be missed by all.

Janet Larson (Amundsen)

July 21, 2008

To the family and friends of Mr. Wetherille I express my sincere sympathy in hearing of his passing.

My dad, Wally Amundsen, has spoken of Mr. Wetherille as he has shared his "fire" stories with our family.

May your family and friends embrace you in your grief, support you as you carry on and encourage you to remember the love Mr. Wetherille brought to others.

Sincerely,

Jeri Sheahan

July 21, 2008

Safe journey, dear Uncle Bob....we will miss you always. You've set such a fine example of how to live a bountiful, compassionate life. I've always been so very proud to be your "favorite niece".
All our love,
Jeri and Mike

June 29, 2008; 28 months old

Shannon Wetherille

July 21, 2008

I love you very much and will miss your hugs, Great-grandpa!

carl johnson

July 20, 2008

Worked with at 6,s many years. Good man. Carl johnson

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Not sure what to say?

August 4, 2008

Karen Dudley posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2008

Dale Schirmer posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2008

Mary Jo Herkenhoff Cosio posted to the memorial.