Robert Walter Kuglin

Robert Walter Kuglin passed away Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at Grace Pointe Crossing; Gables West Care Center in Cambridge, Minnesota. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his wife Carol (Jacoway) Kuglin, daughter and son-in-law Linda and David Swanson of Harris, MN., daughter Kathryn Emery of Rush City, Minn., sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Kenneth and Jeanette Spielman of Rush City, Minn., Evelyn Larter of Pine City, MN, Dale Jacoway of Rock Creek, MN. and Douglas and Paulene Jacoway of Montana, grandsons: Justin Swanson, Ryan Swanson, Michael and wife Tanya Swanson; and granddaughter Adriana Emery, great grandchildren Joey Rae and Henry Swanson, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Robert was born January 24, 1930 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Walter and Irene (Purkapile) Kuglin. After his mother’s death when he was four years old Robert and his two younger sisters Anne (Moe) and Shirley (Robinson) were cared for by guardians Vern and Luella Steinkamp. The family lived in Excelsior near Lake Minnetonka. As a boy, Robert spent summers working on a relative’s farm. He attended school in Excelsior and worked as a paper boy to earn money for the family. He also spent time fishing to bring home extra food. Robert saved his money to buy skates and skis and loved to build model cars. Later he bought many cars which he enjoyed working on and keeping in spotless condition. Robert enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He worked in supply and flew cargo to Korea from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Robert was also the personal driver for officers on the base. After his discharge from the Air Force, Robert worked at Bemis Packaging Service in Northeast Minneapolis for 42 years as a machine assembler. Robert married Carol Ann Jacoway on August 31st, 1957. The couple moved to Rush City and lived on the farm of Carol’s parents, Delbert and Rose Jacoway. Two daughters were born to the couple, Linda (Swanson) and Kathryn (Emery). In 1971 they built a house a short distance away. Robert loved taking care of his home and yard. He spent his spare time manicuring the lawn and trees and keeping the house in good repair. Robert’s favorite pastime was “tinkering” in the garage. He loved to work on things, cars, small engines, and countless other projects. He had a special talent for inventing ways to make things work better and reviving things that just didn’t work right any more. Robert loved helping people. He always offered a helping hand when family or friends were in need. Robert was a wonderful dad and loved his grandchildren and great grand children. He had nicknames for them and loved to joke around and tease them. He was known to allow them to win at checkers occasionally even when they hadn’t quite earned the win. He loved to troll for northerns when he took them fishing. He was proud of his family and had a sympathetic ear when things weren’t going well. He always found some way to help out. Bob, as he liked to be called, was best known by family and friends as someone who loved to laugh and joke with people. No one was immune from a little good natured ribbing. He talked about the day when he would win the lottery and move to a warm island somewhere and all his problems would be taken care of. Whenever he left he would give his favorite advice to his family, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” And we never have. Reverend Laurie O’Shea will officiate funeral services; 2:00 p.m., Thursday, (May 23, 2013) at the Olson Chapel of Rush City. Music was provided by soloist Debbie Trosen and organist Dianne Kirchberg. A time of visitation and reviewal is Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. Interment for Bob Kuglin was in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City with Military Honors provided by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW, Rush City American Legion and the Minnesota National Guard. Casket bearers included: Michael Swanson, Ryan Swanson, Justin Swanson, Dale Jacoway, Ken Spielman and James Larter. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson Chapel of Rush City