Robert William Edwin

Published 3:43 pm Monday, June 23, 2025

Robert William Edwin, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1935, to Nels and Blanche Edwin and was the oldest of three, with younger siblings Joyce and Dennis. Throughout his life, Bob was known for his kindness, strong values of honesty, integrity, and a tireless work ethic, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to his family.

Bob grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953. He was an avid ball player, playing baseball during his high school years and later enjoying many seasons of softball. While playing a softball game in Emmons, he met Helen Mae Thompson, who would become the love of his life. They were married on August 7, 1955.

Bob began his career in the grocery business while still in high school, working for a chain called National T. Starting as a bag boy, he steadily worked his way up to store manager. Early in his marriage, he served as a traveling manager, helping turn around struggling stores in communities such as Shakopee, Farmington, Northfield, and Faribault. When his oldest son, Brad, was about to start school, Bob returned to Albert Lea to manage the local National T store, choosing stability for his growing family.

He later accepted a position with Piggly Wiggly, managing the produce department. Known for his strong leadership and keen business sense, Bob earned a reputation throughout the grocery industry. This led to a new opportunity as a District Manager for Fairway Foods in Northfield, Minnesota, where he traveled to various stores to support operations and ensure profitability.

Eventually, Bob fulfilled a longtime dream by opening his own grocery store, Bob and Joe’s, on the north side of Albert Lea—now home to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. After the store closed, he began working for Wilson Foods, which later became Farmstead, where he remained until his retirement.

He retired at the age of 61 and was fortunate to enjoy 28 fulfilling years of retirement, dedicating his time to family, hobbies, and the simple joys of life.

Bob was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. His greatest joys came from spending time with family, lending a hand to neighbors, working in his woodshop, camping and offering words of wisdom and encouragement. He was a supportive fan at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and music concerts. His dedication to family was widely recognized and he enjoyed time with them.

Bob’s memory will live on in the hearts of his three children: Brad (Vickie) Edwin, Robin (Joe/Arnold) Helgerson, and Nicky (Chad) Severtson. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Kristi (Paul) Kenis, Traci Edwin, Cassi Edwin, Ashley (Ben) Ollila, Caden Severtson, and Carson Severtson; and by his great-grandchildren: Karter Kenis, Kendall Kenis, Kohen Riedberger, Deacon Ollila, and Dottie Ollila. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Beulah Thompson and Sharon Edwin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his forever love and cherished wife, Helen; his parents, Nels and Blanche Edwin; his sister, Joyce Sterrenberg, and her husband Theodore; his brother, Dennis Edwin; and his grandson, Dustin Helgerson. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Selmer and Mabel Thompson; brothers-in-law, Siram Thompson, Lauritz Thompson (Betty), Ernest Thompson (Dorothy); and sister-in-law, Mavis Nordaas (Haakon).

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service and also on Friday, July 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea. Bob will be laid to rest at Silver Lake Lutheran Cemetery in rural Northwood, Iowa, the same church where he and Helen were married. Memorial contributions in Bob’s honor may be made to First Lutheran Peace and Power or St. Croix Hospice.

He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words. His legacy of love, generosity, steadfast guidance and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.