KOLSRUD, Robert Howard 1931-2021

KOLSRUD, BUSNESS, THORSTENSON, MAHR, PAUL, TRAXLER, BURKE, ALEXANDER, BUTTERIS, REISER, BROWN, HONN

Posted By: Connie L. Ellis (email)
Date: 3/2/2021 at 13:50:54

SOURCE: Martin-Grau Funeral Home obituary
Contributor: Connie L.Ellis (not related)

Robert H. Kolsrud, 90, of Waukon, Iowa died Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Saturday March 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is encouraged. Casketbearers are Carlyle, Richard, and Clark Kolsrud, Ryan and Preston Kolsrud, Gary Mahr, and Eric and Damian Thorstenson.

Robert Howard Kolsrud was born January 15, 1931 in Waukon, Iowa, the son of Helmer and Emma (Busness)Kolsrud. Robert grew up on a farm outside of Waterville, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at East Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waterville and attended Waterville Consolidated School. Growing up as an only child Robert enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and hunting with his dog Blue. His Mom endured some health issues which confined her to a nursing home when Robert was nine years old.

Robert had a cream route with the Waterville Creamery at age 16 and also used a hand plow to plow gardens for others as a side job. At the age of 17, he convinced his Dad to sign for him to enlist in the United States Navy. In 1948, Robert started his 22 year career in the Navy aboard the USS St. Paul during the Korean War. In 1951, while on leave, Robert attended a dance at Rainbow Gardens where he met a pretty lady named Eunice Thorstenson. On August 8, 1954 they married at the Old West Paint Creek Parsonage. After serving four years in the Navy, he was discharged and returned home to farm.

In 1958, Robert re-enlisted in the Navy where his attention to detail and great problem-solving skills led him to be recognized, putting him on the Admiral's staff as nuclear weapon inspector. His naval career was filled with many awards and achievements, including a "beneficial suggestion" to take water out of the air which was later installed on 135 naval ships, and created a medal winning missile launcher that is still used today.
Robert retired from the Navy in 1974 with the status of Senior Chief. He was passionate about veterans and soldiers receiving medals and awards that were due them, so he helped them apply.

Robert liked to travel and went on several yearly trips to Branson, Missouri, attended the Worldview Weekend in Osage Beach, Missouri, visited the Ark and Creation Museum in Kentucky, and went to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. He also enjoyed going to yearly ship reunions across the country. Among all these interests, he also loved music, dancing, and playing cards.

Robert is survived by his wife Eunice of Waukon; his children Carlyle (Kim) of Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and Richard (Rose), Clark (Myrna), and Kelly (Gary) Mahr, all of Waukon; nine grandchildren Ryan (Selina) and Preston (Teri) Kolsrud, Michelle (Don) Paul, Stacy (Mark) Traxler, Ashley Kolsrud, Kari (Andy) Burke, Amy (Landon) Alexander, Jordan (Chance) Butteris, and Madison Reiser; step-granddaughter April (Tyler) Brown; 21 great-grandchildren; former daughter-in-law Mary Kolsrud of Minnesota; sisters-in-law Karla Honn and Juanita Thorstenson, both of Waukon, and Linda Thorstenson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law Charlotte and Eilert Thorstenson; step-grandson Jared Mahr; brothers-in-law Wayne, Dean, and David Thorstenson, and sister-in-law Ronda Thorstenson.