On June 20.1934, parents Alois and Rose Cadalbert welcomed a baby boy into the world, Robert “Bob” Cadalbert. Bob was born at Charles T. Miller Hospital - now United Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and was raised on a farm in Woodbury, MN.
As a young boy, Bob was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a hard worker, helping out on the farm, working hard at school - while undoubtedly socializing a lot! Bob was raised with 3 siblings. He had one younger brother, Dave, and two younger sisters, Mary Lou and Cathy. Bob had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Bob, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
He graduated from Harding High School in 1952. He enjoyed some courses more than others, excelling in math and chemistry, however he had a special love for dairy farming.
Bob was sociable, approachable. and always ready to help out anyone who needed it. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Bob was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. Those close to Bob came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ted Thone, Jerry Jones, and Jerry Kaufold. Later in life, he became friends with Jim Lombardi, Jim Schramel, Ed Joseph, and Bob Thill.
A family man by nature, Bob reveled in the love of his wife On January 19th, 1957 Bob exchanged wedding vows with Donna Lee Fernholz at the Guardian Angel's Catholic Church of Oakdale, Minnesota. One of Bob’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Bob was an Army veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the army from 1952 - 1954. Bob saw action for - no wars. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of private first class.
Following his stint in Army, Bob became a father and was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. Bob would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He was a loving and caring father who did his best to make sure that his children were properly raised. Bob was blessed with 3, one son, Michael, and two daughters, Sandy and Heidi. They were also blessed with 5 grandchildren, Chris, Jason, Erin, Laurie, and Holly.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Bob was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Bob was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Bob upheld his standards. His primary occupation was designing and development of traffic control materials at 3M. He was employed for 35 years. and did not have one sick day! Bob was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Bob approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were stained glass, bridge and card playing, watching sports and polka, traveling. Bob was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Bob to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golf and bowling. He also a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.
A civic-minded person, Bob was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Bob was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the townhome association and senior White Bear bridge club. During these years, Bob applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
Faith was important to Bob. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a life-long member of Guardian Angel's for. During that time, he was active with the Men's Club, running the pull tabs and food at the Fall Festival, and selling Christmas trees in the winter.
As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Bob could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Bob; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included many of his wonderful service and dedication for his years at 3M - not one sick day.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Bob used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Favorite vacations included many cruises and European destinations with his beloved brother and sister-in-law, David and Andrea. In addition he took several trips to Sanibel Island, enjoyed many winters at Monte Vista in Arizona, and even a couple trips to visit relatives in Switzerland.
Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bob’s favorites was Kelly, a Shetland Sheepdog. They were friends for 12 years.
Bob’s retirement life involved being active in his hometown of Woodbury, MN. In retirement, he found new pleasure in much volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Dorothy Day Center, Habitat for Humanity, and working at the church. He also enjoyed spending time playing cards with many friends and family. In many ways, Bob loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Bob passed away on May 18, 2020 at Norris Square, Cottage Grove, MN. Bob fought a brave battle against the Coronavirus. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and children Michael, Sandy and Heidi; his grandchildren Chris, Jason, Erin and Laurie.
All who knew him would agree that Bob was a pillar of the community who always spoke kindly of people - never a bad word. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. He was a wonderful and loving father and grandfather who cherished the time spent during the many family gatherings. Robert Louis Cadalbert did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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Robert “Bob” Cadalbert (1934-2020)
Beloved husband of 63 years to Donna, loving and proud father of Michael Robert Cadalbert, Sandra Lee Iliff and Heidi Jo Cadalbert (Laura). Grandfather of Chris Cadalbert, Jason Cadalbert, Erin (Cadalbert) Horrisberger, Laurie (Phillips) Wold and Holly (Phillips) Lockwood. Great-grandfather of nine. Dear brother of David Cadalbert (Andi), Mary Lou Brown (Bill) and Cathy Brunner (Mike), and cherished uncle to several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Alois and Rose Cadalbert, stepmother Rose Maurer Cadalbert, brother David Cadalbert, Sr., and granddaughter Holly (Phillips) Lockwood.
A life-long resident of Woodbury, Bob was born on a dairy farm, the Glen Caven Dairy, located in what is now the Park Hills area of Woodbury. A graduate of Harding High School (1952), he loved farm life and met his wife Donna Lee on a neighboring farm. After a brief stint in the army, he began a 35-year career at 3M, a career without one sick day! Bob had many adventures in his lifetime, taking many trips all over the world - many with his beloved brother Dave and sister-in law Andrea, and enjoying winters at Monte Vista Resort in Arizona. He loved playing cards, fishing, watching Polka Spotlight and socializing with everyone! He was exceptionally proud of his Swiss heritage and enjoyed many events with the Swiss Benevolent Society of St. Paul. He was a staunch supporter of his favorite team, the Minnesota Twins. He spent many hours volunteering for several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Dorothy Day Center, and a life-long parishioner at Guardian Angels Catholic Community, where he also spent many hours volunteering at their activities and services. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends, and he reveled in the many blessings he was grateful for.
Our family expresses deeply heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Norris Square in Cottage Grove, especially Becca Jenkins for all the FaceTime calls, and Jenny the nurse who took such wonderful care of Bob until the end. Special thanks to Naomi and Tom Brown, without whose love and support during the last several years we could not have enabled him to be in his favorite place: home. To Laurie at the Woodwinds Health East Clinic, who always took time to chat with Dad and make him smile during his INR appointment, and to Bob’s primary doctor of many years, Dr. Greg Johnson whose care and guidance is very appreciated.
A service has not yet been scheduled and we hope friends and loved ones will stay in contact until larger gatherings are once again safe, when we will meet to celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers (now or then), memorials can be made to Catholic Charities of St. Paul/Minneapolis or the American Parkinson Disease Association.
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