Robert Fort

The funeral service for Robert “Bob” Fort will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena, with Pastor Marli Danielson officiating. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Bob of Dunedin, FL, formerly of Wadena, MN passed away on March 7, 2013. He was 82 years old. Born in Detroit, Michigan on January 24, 1931 to Louis and Florence Fort, Robert graduated from Washburn high school in 1949 and enrolled at the University of Minnesota. In 1951, Bob joined the U.S. Navy due to the Korean War and served on the U.S.S. Denebola. During his service, Bob received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal and the Navy Occupation Medal. Following his discharge in January, 1955, Robert finished his studies at the University of Minnesota with a degree in History. Robert met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Kirscht and they married October 26, 1957. They began their life together in Minneapolis, MN. Robert started his career at Dayton’s Department Store as Draperies Manager. After moving to Wadena, MN in 1973, Robert and Pat opened the Magic Stitch. Robert proudly served as the Wadena County Auditor from 1982 to 1994 and was an active member and treasurer of First Congregational Church of Wadena. He was also a member of the VFW, Elks, American Legion and was a Shriner. Robert enjoyed golf, traveling the world with Pat, fishing and being with his children and grandchildren. Robert served as president of the Wadena Rotary, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Master of the Wadena Masonic Temple. Robert was instrumental in the development of the Pembina Trail Group Home, now known as Share-A-Home. He served as the Chairman of the board of directors. Robert is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Florence Fort, wife Pat Fort, son Ross Fort, and sister, Felicia “Ann” Nelson. Robert is survived by brother, Lewis (Helen) Fort, son Robb (Robin) Fort of Littleton, CO; son Brian (Lisa) Fort of Littleton, CO; daughter Jill (Peter) Masterson of Rogers, MN; and grandchildren Megan, Erin (Brian) Fort, Patrick, Hannah (Robb) Fort, Jack, Cole (Jill) Masterson. Military honors will be provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Pallbearers will be Robb Fort, Brian Fort, Patrick Fort, Peter Masterson, Jack Masterson and Cole Masterson. Robert will be buried next to his wife in Wadena Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Shriners Hospital of Minnesota, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes in Wadena. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)

Robert Fort

January 24, 1931 - March 7, 2013