Roy was born Nov. 12, 1925 in Saint Anthony, MN to Rosco and Gertrude (Miller). Roy was 3rd in a line of 4 siblings - Eldest brother Kenneth, sister Hazel (Dahl) and younger sister Avis (McInnis). He attended St. Anthony Grade School, then Edison Highschool, walking 4 miles each way (uphill).
Due to an accident his father had, He needed to leave school during the 10th grade to support his family while his older brother Kenneth was away fighting WWII. His first job was with Federal Grain Inspection. Earning $25/week he was able to pay off the mortgage on the family’s house and buy food. He was eventually drafted into the war.
As a Navy Veteran he served his country proudly from 1944 – 46 on a minesweeper (with a wooden hull!) as a Coxswain’s mate, in charge of steering and navigation.
Using his G.I. Benefits, he took flying lessons in a Piper Cub and got his pilot’s license and completed school. He also attended a vocational school in cabinet making.
He was married on Jan 21, 1950 to Joann from Red Wing, MN at the First Lutheran Church. They were married for 68 years, till Joann’s death on July 26th, 2018.
He worked at FMC Northern Ordinance Division (Northern Pump) for 35 years as a hydraulic test engineer. He tested the hydraulic systems for gun turrets used on U.S. Navy vessels. He retired in 1988.
Roy loved woodworking, agate hunting, camping, fishing, playing 500, Bridge, word search puzzles and watching football and golf on Sundays. Most of all he loved his family and friends.
Roy was known for his dry, witty humor that made those around him laugh.
Roy is survived his Children, Diana (Gary) Brantner, Randy (ShiChao), Sheila (John) Gerber, and Kenneth (Barb); Grandchildren, Jon (Ann) Brantner, Brian (Kiah) Brantner, Mary Joy Cummings, Jackie Cummings, Melissa Cummings, Tony (Lindsi) Phillippi, Jennifer (Luke) Hayes, Elle (Tim) Dobosenski, Riki Cummings, and Tomy Cummings; 21 Great-grandchildren; Nephews and Nieces.
Roy was preceded in death by his Wife, Joann; Brother, Kenneth and Sisters, Hazel and Avis.
~Memorial Service~
2:30 PM Monday, Apr. 8, 2019 at
Gearhart Funeral Home
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
(763) 755-6300.
Visitation at 1:30 PM,
~Interment and Military Honors~
Morningside Memorial Gardens
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
We will always carry the memory of our beloved father in our hearts.
A special thank you to the Arbor Lakes staff and Interim Healthcare hospice staff.
Gearhart Funeral Home of Coon Rapids
763-755-6300
www.gearhartfuneralhome.com
