LYLE ROBERT "BOB" FOX

October 11, 1925 - February 25, 2016

Lyle Robert "Bob" Fox passed away at his home on February 25, 2016 surrounded by family. He was born in his grandparents' house near Clear Lake on October 11, 1925 to Lyle Fox and Dorothy B. Hyatt Fox. He grew up on Clear Lake with his 5 siblings.

He met his wife Irene when they both worked at Northern State Hospital. Their anniversary would have been February 27th . They moved to Burlington in 1958 when they bought a farm west of Burlington where they raised their family and he continued to live there the remainder of his life.

He was employed by Shell Oil Refinery (now Tesoro) for over 30 years. It was not uncommon that he would work all night at the refinery, come home, and then help his father-in-law in the hayfields or his kids in the strawberry fields.

He loved to work outside and every available minute he would be planting or harvesting everything from strawberries to cucumbers. He especially loved his dahlias and grew over 150 varieties. He kept busy helping others and was generous with his time. He enjoyed spending time with family at home. Other pastimes included hunting, fishing or traveling on annual family vacations. The one place you would seldom see him was in front of the T.V.

After retirement in 1984, he and Irene traveled to nearly every state including Alaska and Hawaii. They also spent extended time in Arizona, over several winters, where he met many new friends. He never thought of anyone as a stranger and enjoyed visiting and visiting and visiting.

When his grandchildren were around he lit up with smiles. He loved little children and also the elderly. As a dad, he was a great example of integrity, honorable character, and gentleness. He will be greatly missed by his family.

He was a longtime member and servant of Burlington Lutheran Church. His life reflected his faith in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife Irene; sons, Ray (Dina), Joe, and daughters, Judie McCann (Jim) and Laurie Miller (Jeff); grandchildren, A.J. McCann, Kelly McAllister (Dave), Anna Fox, Haley Miller, Kelsey Fox, Gunnar Fox, and Earl Fox; great-grandchildren, Rodney Lee Fox, Ryland Lockwood, and Brady McAllister; siblings Lee Fox (Charlotte), Burl Fox, Beverly Van Slageren, and Darlene Krangnes.

He was preceded in death by son Rodney Fox, grandson Ethan Fox, brother Stan Fox and his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th at Burlington Lutheran Church.

The family thanks Hospice and Visiting Angels for their help and kindness. Donations could be made to Burlington Lutheran or Hospice of the NW.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.