Robert S. Wills

Robert S. Wills, 81, of Barnum, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 1, 2016.

He was born in Skelton Twp. on January 26, 1935 to Arthur and Ruth Wills. Bob was a lifelong resident of Barnum and graduated from Barnum High School in 1953. Bob married Lucy Norman on February 22, 1958 in Superior, Wisconsin. Together they shared the passion of farming on their property, Clover Valley Farm where they mentored their boys throughout the years. Bob worked at Wood Conversion in Cloquet for 13 years. He was also a school bus driver for Barnum schools and had a business with his brother, Art called Wills Brothers Construction. He worked as an equipment operator for Carlton County for 25 years prior to retiring. Over the years, Bob farmed dairy cows, beef cattle and had various animals on the farm including his cherished draft horses. Bob enjoyed whittling and spending time in his garage, where he could build or fix most anything. He also was always willing to help others with their projects. Bob was a kind man who was active in his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ruth Wills; siblings, Leslie, Lawrence, Elsie, Dorothy, and Art; and grandson, Joseph Wills.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Lucy; and sons, Kevin (Patricia), Derwin (Lauri) and Trevor (Kerry) all of Barnum; grandchildren, Tonia (Scott) Ostby, Jonathan Kamppi, Kevin (Starr) Wills, Jr., AnnaMarie Wills, Adam (Abbi) Wills, Justin Wills, Jamie (Erik) Engebretson and Justin Tranberg; great grandchildren, Sierra, Dakotah, ShyAnn, Emaley, Conner, Ebboney, Kevin III, Leo, Lyla, Marshall, and Evelyn; siblings, Alta Rogers, Helen Folstad , Eleanor Fralich and Harvey (Loretta) Wills; brother-in-law, Harold and sisters-in-law, Betty Norman and Lois(Chris) Olsen; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and beloved dog, Sadie.

Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Friday, July 8, 2016 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and continue on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 1 until the 2 PM service in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Barnum. Pastor Brad Vogt will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Barnum.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.