Robert Harold Wilkes, age 96, of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Born on April 15, 1929, in Waite Park, Minnesota, Bob was a devoted husband to Lorraine Mary (Knopik) Wilkes for 71 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Joseph Wilkes and Sadie Marion (St. Onge) Wilkes, and his brother, Timothy Clemet Wilkes. He is survived by his former sister-in-law, Ardell (Bremer) Wilkes, his niece Jeanie Marie (Wilkes) Kuebelbeck, her husband Bruce Allen Kuebelbeck, and their son Chad Allen Kuebelbeck.
Bob served in the National Guard 47th Infantry and was activated for the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Lorraine, on June 26, 1954. For 37 years he worked as an electrician at the Waite Park Car Shops with the BNSF Railroad. After retiring, he and Lorraine spent years traveling the country in their motor home before settling in Tucson, Arizona, where they lived for 35 years and enjoyed many close friendships centered around their shared love of card playing.
A lifelong learner, Bob remained engaged with current events well into his later years through avid reading and enjoyed lively discussions on a wide range of topics with friends, nieces, and nephews. A former high school hockey player, he maintained a deep passion for sports, following both Arizona and Minnesota teams in person and on television, with a special fondness for baseball. Known for his caring heart, Bob was deeply loved by all who knew him. In their final years, he and Lorraine returned to Minnesota to be closer to family.
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