Robert Lewis Hatlestad

Obituary

Robert Lewis Hatlestad was born on May 9, 1928, in Olivia, Minnesota.  He was the son of Lewis and Gladys (Boggess) Hatlestad.  Robert was baptized and confirmed in his faith in Olivia, Minnesota.  He received his education in Olivia, Minnesota, graduating with the Olivia High School Class of 1946.  Upon graduating Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on June 24, 1946, and served his country on USS Midway, the biggest carrier of the time, as an aviation airman aerographer’s mate.  He received an Honorable Discharge on May 3, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia.  Robert furthered his education by attending Macalester College in St. Paul, and later transferred to Mankato State in Mankato, Minnesota, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree.

On June 7, 1953, Robert was united in marriage to Marion Sanders at the English Lutheran Church in Faribault, Minnesota.  Robert and Marion made their home in Westbrook and moved to Glencoe in 1956.  Their marriage was blessed with four children, Robert, Jay, Stephanie and David.  Robert and Marion shared over 53 years of marriage, until Marion passed away on October 1, 2006.  On July 26, 2009, Robert was united in marriage to Delores (Birkholz) Gustafson in Minnetonka, Minnesota.  Robert and Delores shared over 7 years of marriage enjoying living in both Glencoe and Colorado Springs.  

Robert was a teacher at Glencoe High School and taught Industrial Arts from 1956-1986.  He also worked part time and summers at Glencoe Manufacturing and near the end of teaching, Robert saw a need of a locksmith in the community and began his own Locksmith business which he continued after retiring from teaching.  Robert was a member at First Congregational United Church of Christ.  He was also a member of the Masons, the Shriners, many teachers organization, Glencoe VFW Post #5102 and the Glencoe American Legion Post #95.  

Robert was hardworking and supportive.  He enjoyed genealogy, flower gardening, watching the birds, taking family vacations up north, reading, his favorite subject being World War II and cross word puzzles.  Robert had every gadget under the sun, whether it worked or not and would often be caught humming.  He was a night owl who was always smiling, unless a despised squirrel captured his attention.  He cherished the time spent with his family and friends. 

Robert passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 13 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Robert is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Gustafson of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Robert Hatlestad Jr. of Alexandria, MN,
Jay Hatlestad and his wife, Cindy, of Plymouth, MN,
Stephanie Hatlestad and her husband, Mark Molzen, of Minnetonka, MN,
David Hatlestad and his wife, Aimee, of St. Louis Park, MN;
Grandchildren, Julie Hatlestad, Jason Hatlestad and his wife, Becca, Macy Hatlestad, Jaya Hatlestad, Ava Molzen, Elise Hatlestad, Aaron Hatlestad;
Great Granddaughter, Blakely Hatlestad;
Step Daughters, Carol Hetrick and her husband, Jim, of Coventry, CT,
Gail Gustafson and her husband, Jeff Bickford, of Colorado Springs, CO;
Step Son, Keith Gustafson and his wife, Deb, of Lake Arrowhead, GA;
Brother-In-Law, Ray Sanders and his wife, MaryAnn, of Faribault, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Gladys Hatlestad; 1^st Wife, Marion Hatlestad; Brother-In-Law, Paul Sanders and his wife, Pearl.