Robert Winslow Lea

Lea, Robert Winslow Devoted husband, father, and loving brother Robert W Lea, age 87, of Anoka, passed away peacefully Friday, January 5th, at Homestead of Anoka with his family by his side. Robert was born October 5th, 1930, to Oliver and Ethel (Rykken) Lea in Mankato, MN. He attended Duluth Central High School and graduated with the class of 1948. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and earned degrees in business administration and accounting in 1952. He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1947, then went active duty in September 1952 serving aboard the FDR in the engine room, being honorably discharged in 1954. Robert attended Luther Theological Seminary, in St Paul, graduating in May, 1958 with a Graduate in Theology degree. He answered his first call to serve as Pastor at Grace Lutheran, Primghar, Iowa, and he and its members were successful in getting approval for and building a new church. He answered his second call to serve over 5,000 members at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea in 1964. Robert was responsible for organizing the Communion Lay Visitation for Shut-ins Program that was successful and adopted by churches around the world. In 1973 Robert received a request from American Lutheran Church that he accepted to establish a new mission church at Ramsey, MN, that became Lord of Life Lutheran Church, and within six years the baptized membership grew to approximately 900. In 1980 Robert began a new career using his financial skills and joined Lutheran Brotherhood as a District Representative and Financial Planner until his retirement in 1995. During that time he often attained The President's Club. Robert and Vernell enjoyed their winter home and many friends at Palm Desert, CA. One of Robert's great joys was founding the volunteer Chaplain program at the Albert Lea Fire Department and serving as a volunteer Chaplain for the Palm Desert Fire Department. He is survived by his wife Vernell of 61 years; children Bruce (and Colleen), Janet (and Jon) Paul, Mark (and Kari), and Rick Lundberg (Mara); eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his brother Charles (and Hope), and sisters Virginia (and Paul Johnson) Humes, and Dorothy (and Ronald Podratz) LeGault; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his son Paul on April 20, 2013. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids, or Luther Seminary, St. Paul. Visitation will be Friday, January 19th, at 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids. Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 11115 Hanson Blvd, Coon Rapids on Saturday, January 20 at 11:00 am, with visitation at the church one hour prior to services.

Tributes

Robert Winslow Lea

January 5, 2018

Tributes

Robert Winslow Lea

January 5, 2018

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