Robert Gaylord White

Robert Gaylord White, age 92, a long time Park Rapids/Menahga area resident, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN with his family by his side. Robert was born on August 3, 1919 on his parent's homestead in Shell River Township east of Menahga, MN to Ralph and Elva (Dwire) White. It was in this same area that he attended country school and worked on the family farm. At the age of 22 Robert entered the military. He served in India from 1942-1945 loading bombs onto aircrafts. He came home as a decorated soldier with an honorary discharge, the Asiatic Pacific Service medal with three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Four Overseas Service Bars, One Service Stripe, and a Distinguished Unit Badge. After returning to the Park Rapids/Menahga area Robert met and married Margaret Haaland. They were united in marriage on December 18, 1946 in Wadena with Margaret's brother John and her sister Anna at their side. This union was blessed with two children: Richard and Robert. Robert continued to farm on what is now the White Family Century farm. He and Margaret were a team in running the farm along with their boys. They milked dairy cows, raised beef cattle, and raised hogs. Along with the help of extended family they worked hard in the fields and had a prosperous farm. On whatever down time Robert had he enjoyed deer hunting and trapping on the family farm and along the Shell/Crow Wing River. He was an avid baseball player and played for Huntersville playing in the position of catcher and shortstop. He enjoyed this time as he was a teammate to his brothers and his brother-in-law. It was a fun family time every Sunday at the ball fields. Robert was also active in his community. He was a long time member of the Methodist Church in Menahga. He and Margaret were also active in the Menahga VFW where he was a member of the color guard. Robert was a founding member of the Menahga VFW and the longest living member. Robert served on the Shell River Township Board, the Wadena County ASCS Board, and currently both he and Margaret serve as Fire Wardens for the Shell River Township. Robert loved spending time with family and friends. He was a practical joker to all of his nieces and nephews and was so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret, sons, Richard and his wife, Linda of Williams, MN and Robert and his wife, Kerry of Park Rapids, MN. Five grandchildren: Christina Frisch (Mike), Sheri White (Demian Gauthier), John White, and Alex and Lindsey White. Six great grandchildren: Megan and Matt Maves, Cailey, Kendra, and Karli Frisch, and Sophia Gauthier; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Ralph Jr., Vernon, Charles; and Jim; one sister: Betty Branham and her husband Jim, and his brother in law John Haaland and sister in law Anna Graba. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Menahga and one hour prior to the service at the Church. Funeral Serves will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Menahga with Pastor Steven Koehne and Pastor Loren Ferch officiating. Lonnie Schmidt will serve as organist and soloist singing “You Are Mine” Congregational hymns will be “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Precious Lord take My Hand.” Honorary Pallbearers will be Christina Frisch, Sheri White, Lindsey White, Lisa Meech, Marilyn DeCrans, John White, Melvin Messer and Steve Nieminen. Active Casketbearers will be Ross Graba, Roger Graba, Cliff Branham, Ed Branham, Alex White and Tim Nieminen. Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 of Menahga, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at Shell City Cemetery.