Bob Haukoos

Bob Haukoos was born June 21, 1931 on a farm 1-½ miles NW of Walters in Faribault County, Minnesota.  His parents Russell and Emma Hauskins Haukoos christened him Melvin Robert but everyone called him Bob.

Bob received his formal education in the Kiester-Walters public schools and the U.S. Navy. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was called to active duty in 1950. During the Korean War, he served on the flight decks of the aircraft carriers USS Antietam and the USS Oriskany operating off the coast of Korea.

On July 28, 1955 Bob married Grace McNeil in Albert Lea.  They became the parents of two children and grandparents of three.   Bob served 21 ½ years on the City of Albert Lea Fire Department, retiring as Captain of the Blue Shift.

In 1978, Bob was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, completing 8 terms before retiring in 1994.  During his legislative career, he served 12 years on the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, chairing it during the 1985-86 session.  After this retirement, he worked as Field Representative for 1^st District U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht and enjoyed camaraderie with former colleagues during a term as Master at Arms for the Minnesota House of Representatives.  Bob served a term as Mayor of Albert Lea during 2001-2002.

He was a dedicated and faithful public servant, giving his time and energy to many public causes.  For 20 years he was a member of the Board of the American Lung Association of Minnesota.  At various times he served on the boards of Naeve Hospital, the National Guard Advisory Committee, the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority and numerous other organizations. He was a long time member of Golden Kiwanis, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Sons of Norway.

For more than 50 years, Bob was an active member of the First Baptist Church, including service as treasurer, usher, and member of the Board of Deacons. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 13 at 2 o’clock at First Baptist Church.

Bob Haukoos died at his home on the morning of September 10, 2011 after dealing with congestive heart disease for many years.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James Doty and Kenneth Haukoos, and sisters Ruth Ballou and Dorothy Rodriguez.  He is survived by his wife, his daughter Miriam Haukoos of St. Paul, son and daughter-in-law Robert and Leslie Haukoos of Agoura, California, and adored grandchildren John Robert, Lauren Grace, and Ross Connor Haukoos. Also surviving are siblings and their spouses: Glenn and Elinor Doty and Marie Adkins of Albert Lea, Ethel Doty of Eden Prairie, and Marilyn Haukoos of Walters, and many other relatives in a large and widespread kinship.

Bob gave generously of his time and resources to many local causes.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to organizations and activities that help people in need in the community Bob loved and served.