Robert A. Turcotte

Robert A. Turcotte, 100, resident of Edgewood Vista Senior Living, died due to COVID 19 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Baxter.  A private celebration of Bob’s life will be held with Military Honors at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

Bob was born June 4, 1920, in Brainerd, the son of Arthur and Hazelle (Walston) Turcotte.  After graduating from Washington High School in Brainerd, Bob furthered his education at Hamline University and earned a bachelor’s degree.  He enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and served with the 105 artillery in 91st Division where he encountered combat in Italy.  He was discharged as a First Sergeant and was awarded a Bronze Star.  When he returned home, Bob worked with his father at Fairway Grocery Store in Brainerd and later owned and operated Turcotte Grocery on Kingwood Street. In 1951, he married Joyce Bedal. He began a career with the Brainerd Dispatch in advertising sales and retired in 1986 at Advertising Manager. 

Bob was active in the community and was a member of the Lions, Elks, Masons, and Shriners.  Proud of his service to his country, Bob was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.  He enjoyed watching sports and could often be found playing a round of golf.  Together, Bob and Joyce loved to garden.  They not only made sure their own home was well tended but lent their green thumbs to several businesses.  Above all, Bob was a dedicated family man who cherished his time with them.

He will be greatly missed and is survived by his daughter, Wendie (Kent) Johnson; son, Rob (Holly) Turcotte; grandson, Chad (Connie) Smith; great-grandson, Jaron Smith; son-in-law, David Smith; sister-in-law, Lois (Donald) Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents; sisters Jeanne Solberg and Joanne Endres; and grandson, Michael Vogel.

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