Robert Taylor

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Working hands have laid to rest.  On May 25, 2021, Robert (Bob) Taylor, 82, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.  Bob was born in Forest Lake to Marian and Norton Taylor.  He grew up with siblings Lois (Klinefelter), Jim, and Mary (Greg Benson). He was a member of the Forest Lake High School class of 1956. After high school, he married Kathleen Gibbs, and they welcomed three children, Robert Scott (Donna Freeberg), Gwen (Robert Edwards), and Lynn (Joe Betzold).  In 1969, he married Judy Towle and her two children, Duane (Jill) Weidendorf and Linda (Jeff Bergstrom), and they welcomed two additional children, Robin (Caleb Bond) and Robert (Jennifer).  He was Grandpa to 21 and Great-Grandpa to 9.   Bob saw himself as a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none”, from machinist at 3M to landscaper to realtor to handyman. In addition to enjoying varied professions, he enjoyed varied hobbies from trapper to beekeeper to CB radio operator to basketball coach to woodworker. He was a proud Past Master of Forest Lake Masonic Lodge #344. He served the Forest Lake community as a volunteer firefighter and was a member of the Park Board. Bob and Judy lived in Forest Lake until 1998.  They lived for a time in Princeton, MN, Eagle Rock, MO and Alamo, TX.  In 2019 they returned to Minnesota, currently residing in Vadnais Heights.  Bob made friends easily and for life.  Bob loved his family, but even more, he loved telling a good story and would do so for hours.  Bob was greeted in heaven by his parents, brother-in-law (Dave Klinefelter), and numerous loved ones and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at the Forest Lake American Legion.  Visitation at noon, service at 1 PM, and luncheon following.