Robert Bluemke, 83, died on Thursday, July 13, 2006 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, July 17, 2006 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, MN with Father John Kleinwachter presiding. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Oklee.

Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday at the Johnson Funeral Service in Oklee, MN with a 7:30 P.M. Prayer Service on Sunday evening and at the church for one hour prior to services on Monday.

Robert Richard Bluemke was born on June 16, 1923 in Plummer, MN, the son of Richard R. and Emma (Stromswold) Bluemke. Robert entered the United States Army on December 14, 1945, receiving his Basic Training at Fort Bliss, TX. Robert was sent to the Panama Canal as a Radio Operator. He was Honorably Discharged on January 4, 1947.

Robert was united in marriage on May 19, 1947 to Alice Robidoux at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks. He farmed his entire life, raising small grains, beef cattle and dairy cattle.

Robert served as Eucharist Minister and was on the St. Francis Xavier Church Council, Creamery Board for 44 years, Township Board for 36 years, the Oklee School Board and the Community Board for three terms. He was also a member of American Legion of Plummer, V.F.W. of Trail and the Eagles Club of Thief River Falls. The Bluemkes were chosen Conservation Farmers of the year in 1987 and Red Lake County Senior Citizens in 1998.

Bob enjoyed playing his accordion at nursing homes. He also enjoyed dancing.

Robert is survived by his wife, Alice of Oklee, MN; three children: Richard (Sandi) Bluemke of Thief River Falls, MN, Allen Bluemke of Meadowlands, MN and Audrey Martell of Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren: Deanna (Marty) Peterson of Plummer, MN, Robert (Lisa) Bluemke of Albertville, MN, Jeremy Altendorf of Argyle, MN, Jenny (Jamie) Lee of Holt, MN, Jessica (Brian) Bolstad of Viking, MN and Heather (Robert) German of St. Charles, MN; five great grandchildren: Skyler and Savannah Peterson of Plummer, MN, Geraldine and Jocelin Lee of Holt, MN and Trenton Bolstad of Viking, MN; and one sister, Esther Whalen of Oklee, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; one brother; and one daughter.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Elizabeth Rolfson
SOLOIST: Lori Melby
CASKETBEARERS: Greg Whalen, Mike Boucher, Robert Ralph, Dale Brekke, Arlen Brekke and Einar Kvasager
MILITARY HONORS: Plummer American Legion and Trail V.F.W.