Robert Lee Gagne

Bob was born in Proctor in his family home on August 11, 1927 to Andre and Lumina (LaViolette) Gagne. He attended St. Rose Catholic Grade School and Proctor High School. Bob enlisted in the US Navy and following his tour of duty, went to work for the Duluth Mesabi and Iron Range Railway. He retired in 1988 after 43 years with the railroad. By the end of his career he attained number one in seniority as a locomotive engineer. Bob married Dorothy J. Chapinski on January 27, 1951 and together they raised six children, five boys and one girl. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He was a lifetime parishioner of St. Rose Catholic Church in Proctor. Bob was an active railroad union member and member of N.A.R.V.R.E. He thoroughly enjoyed his time on the engine and with the guys he worked with. Bob loved the 24 years he, Dorothy and his family spent at their cabin at the Whiteface, including the 4th of July and other family celebrations. In his free time, Bob enjoyed the benefits of exercise and camaraderie at Miller Dwan Health and Fitness Center. With little encouragement, Bob enjoyed telling a story, often embellishing with his unique sense of humor.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Andre and Lumina; his brother Rene; baby sister Patricia; two sons, Matthew on February 15, 1991 and Christopher on July 22, 2000 and brothers-in-law, John Graham and Jerome Chapinski.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sons, Mark (Mary Jo) of Proctor, Paul (Marie) of Pike Lake, Peter (Melissa) of Ankeny, IA; daughter, MaryBeth (Doug) Plank of Burnsville; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Irene Graham of Proctor, Sr. Melanie Gagne of St. Scholastica Monastery, Mary June (Bud) Jaeb of Plymouth; brothers, Alfred (Red) Gagne and Rev. Fr. Ronald Gagne and many nieces and nephews; special cousins, Marcel LaViolette, Anita Schultz and Carmen McMahon.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Solvay Hospice House for the special attention given to Bob and his family.

Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. W. with a Rosary at 7 P.M. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the 11 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at St. Rose Catholic Church 3 6th St. Proctor. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Solvay Hospice House or Miller Dwan Amber Wing.

Bell Brothers Funeral Home 624-5745