Robert Eli Churchill

Robert was born to Sam and Alice (Starry) Churchill on August 17, 1923 in Duluth, Minnesota. He spent a happy childhood swimming and fishing in the Lester River. Bob shared stories about his boyhood club and their adventures. He was a caddy at Lester Golf Course which began a lifelong passion for the game. After high school he served in the army from March 4, 1943 to March 13, 1946. Campaigned in Central Europe & the Rhineland as a loader/firer for the 555th Anti-aircraft Artillery. Attended many World War II reunions and proudly wore his 555 hat. A memorial to his unit stands in Shawnee, Kansas.

After the war he worked in the elevator industry, on the railroad, and with Johnny Anderson as a carpenter. Bob partnered with Terry Buus in 1967 as CB Construction until he retired in 1988. He built and remodeled many homes and businesses including the family home in Hermantown.

He married Elizabeth Markstone on October 23, 1947. They raised four children. Several summers the car was loaded with kids and dogs for camping trips. They were members of the Salem Lutheran Church. He was his wife’s caregiver for several years as she struggled with Alzheimer’s. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before her passing in March, 1998.

Besides his love of sports cheering the Vikings & the Yankees, he found enjoyment in many hobbies: stamp/coin collecting, rock hunting, building birdhouses, card playing and vegetable gardening and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his son Thomas; his parents; sister Luella Markstone and brother Allen S. Churchill.

Survivors include his children; Tim (Jeannine) of Apple Valley, MN, Connie (Harold) Fournier of Minneapolis and Cathy (Wayne) Ranslem of Cedar Bluffs, NE; brother Harvey Churchill of Naples, FL; grandchildren Casey Churchill, Toby Churchill, Rhiannon (Jason) Connelly, Sean Meyer, Kyle Meyer and Gabbriel Ranslem; along with great grandchildren; Lennon Churchill, Kaden Connelly, Karter Connelly, Ava Connelly, Cameron Meyer, Kobe Meyer.

I will turn home at last once more, knowing that a true soldier's rest once earned is sweet; his peace complete. Who gave until the last his best.

Memorial service will be Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. W. with Pastor Cheryl Fleckenstein officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Lung Association. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home 624-5745.