Robert B. Pugh Sr.

ROBERT B. PUGH March 13, 1929 - January 3, 2015 Robert B. Pugh, age, 85 of Osage, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2015 at CHI St. Joseph's Area Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side. Robert was born on March 13, 1929 to Bruce and Mary (Lathrop) Pugh in Oskaloosa, Iowa. As a teenager he ventured to Spirit Lake, Iowa where he lived with the Hanson family and developed some life long friendships during this time. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann Farr in Loon Lake, MN on August 28, 1950. Two children: Gayle Ann and Robert C. blessed this marriage. The young couple made their home in the Spirit Lake area. Robert entered the United States Army in 1951 and faithfully served his country in the Korean War as a member of Co. A, 439th Engineering Battalion C. He attended engineering school in Eta Jima, Japan. He received his honorable discharge in 1953. After returning home, Robert making his family's home in Spirit Lake and later, Lake Park, Iowa until 1966 when they ventured northward. Robert moved with his family to a farm in Green Valley Township south of Osage, MN. He also worked at Job Corps until 1975, when he went into dairy farming full time. Robert enjoyed the rigors of farm life. He worked long hard days turning the rugged land into a productive farm, raising the hay, corn and oats needed to care for his` fine herd of holstein dairy cattle. He faced the adversity of losing a large number of his livestock in a barn fire in 1986. Throughout his life time, Robert enjoyed his pets, cook outs with his family, reading, working on antique tractors and stationary engines. He was a life long learner who felt he could learn something new every day. He enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee at Wolf Lake. He was a member of the Wolf Lake VFW and had served as a past commander. He also was a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Spirit Lake, Iowa. In his younger years, he loved spending a deal of time out in the woods, fields and lakes where he hunted, trapped and fished. Robert will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Gayle Kari and son, Robert C. (Debra) all of Osage; four dearly loved grandchildren: Matt (Chris) Kari of New York, NY, Erin "Susie"(Ken) Hensel of Park Rapids; Amelia Pugh of Park Rapids and Anna Pugh of Davison, MI; two great grandchildren: Lizzie and Jack Hensel as well as other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth who died in 1994; a special friend, Martha Siirila and a great grandson, Benjamin Hensel. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Grace Community Church in Osage with the Rev. Paul McKibben officiating. The casket bearers will be:Ken Hensel, Jack Hensel, Doc Blanchard, Jerry Holmer, Ronny Jacobsen, Don McBurney, Stanley Myllykangas and Corey Ylitalo. Military honors will be conducted by the Wolf Lake VFW Post #8165 Interment will be held at the Riverside Cemetery near Osage. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, January 7th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue at the church on Thursday beginning one hour prior to the service. A luncheon reception will be hosted by the Grace Community Church of Osage following the service. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com