Robert E. 'Bob' Isaacson

Robert E. Isaacson was born September 29, 1922 in Bemidji, MN to the late Chris and Clara (Peterson) Isaacson. He grew up in Bemidji and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1940. Bob was employed by the Bemidji Daily Pioneer for three years. Before entering the military, he was training in the Civilian Pilot Training Program (ski planes). In 1943 Bob entered the Army Air Force Pilot Training Program where he learned to fly a variety of planes. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Force in 1946 and returned to Bemidji. He was united in marriage to Helen H. Harrington on June 27, 1948 and graduated from Bemidji State University in 1949. Bob did graduate work at Arkansas University, Bradley University in Peoria, IL, Macalester College and St. Cloud State University. Bob and Helen moved to Little Falls in 1950. He taught in three high school buildings over the years, teaching social studies and English for 35 years until retiring in 1984. He served as a Scoutmaster in the 1950’s. He also taught adult education classes for over ten years and was the chief ticket seller for school events for over twenty years. Bob served on the Morrison County Fair Board keeping records for five years and was the chief registrar for the Little Falls Feeder Pig Market for over twenty years. Bob enjoyed keeping informed on current events, non-fiction reading, fishing, bowling, wood-working, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and golf. He still loved to travel and thoroughly enjoyed their home on the banks of the Mississippi River. Bob was a member of the former Little Falls Methodist Church, now First United Church and served as Lay Leader, chair of the Trustee Committee, worked on the Building Committee and the Bell Tower Committee. In addition, Bob was a volunteer at St. Gabriel’s Hospital working Guest Relations and also delivering Meals on Wheels. He was an active member of the Little Falls Masonic Lodge #140 A,F. & A.1, serving as Worshipful Master in 1959 and in 1991. He served as Lodge secretary for many years including the merger with the Brainerd Aurora Lodge #100. He was also a member of the Little Falls American Legion Post #46, life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV); was active in the Minnesota State Veteran’s Association and the Little Falls Retired Teachers Association. Robert E. Isaacson is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen: daughters, Debra Linnihan and husband, Richard of Eden Prairie, MN; Dianne McClenahan and husband, Greg of Prior Lake, MN and Karin Foley and husband, Tim of Danville, CA; a son, Keith Isaacson and wife, Carla of Chino Valley, AZ; grandchildren, Megan Linnihan and Blake and Drew McClenahan; nieces, Nancy Stephenson of Hawaii and Rebecca Stephenson Kurashina and husband, Hiro of Guam; a nephew, James Stephenson and wife, Anita of St. Paul, MN. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Karl Isaacson during WW II; an infant brother and a sister, Dorothy Stephenson Busby. Memorials preferred to First United Church.

Tributes

Robert E. 'Bob' Isaacson

September 29, 1922 - April 11, 2008