Robert Darnell Mayhew

Robert Darnall Mayhew, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home on March 3, 2026.

Robert was born on June 11, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Edward Howard Mayhew and Jean Ellingson (Graham) Mayhew. He was the eldest of three children. Robert graduated from Minnehaha Academy, where he competed in track and field, including shot put. He was also proud of being chosen to be a member of the elite choir (the Singers).

Following high school, Robert worked for John Henry Foster in Minnesota until 1991, when declining vision made it difficult for him to continue working. Robert began losing his vision at the age of eleven, and it gradually worsened until he became completely blind about 25 years ago. Despite these challenges, Robert remained resilient and continued to find joy in the things he loved.

Robert enjoyed spending time at the cabin and cherished visits with family and friends. He was an avid Minnesota Twins fan and faithfully followed their games by listening on the radio. He also loved fishing, bowling until his vision no longer allowed it, and listening to television game shows. In more recent years, he found great enjoyment in listening to books on tape.

Music also brought Robert a great deal of enjoyment. He and his wife attended a variety of musical events over the years, including concerts by local performers and performances by the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, where they held season tickets. Many of the shows featured country music or tributes to classic performers from earlier decades. Earlier in their marriage, Robert and Lou Ann especially enjoyed dancing together, often polka dancing at local venues.

Robert had a wonderful sense of humor and often joked that it should be illegal to drive past Dairy Queen without stopping.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sheila Mayhew; and his grandparents.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Lou Ann (Moe) Mayhew; his sister, Debra Mayhew and her partner, Donna Yunk; along with his in-laws and many extended family members and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, Wisconsin, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Final resting place will be at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Hertel, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be directed to the Communications Center of State Services for the Blind, which provides volunteer-supported services such as audiobooks and other resources for individuals who are blind, in Robert's honor.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.