Robert Bennett Lawson

life story

Always in our hearts

Robert Lawson, 1935-2021

Robert Bennett Lawson

Born to Floyd and Margaret Lawson in 1935 on the family farm in eastern Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Died on June 10, 2021 in Saint Paul, MN. Preceded in death by brothers Lewis, Gerald and Ronald, and sister Anice. Survived by wife Karen, daughters Kristina and Alissa, son Joel, daughter-in-law Sarah and granddaughters Iona and Sabina. Also survived by brothers Donald and James, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

After serving in the US Army in Italy in the 1950s, Robert worked at the US Postal Service in Omaha before earning a master’s degree in education. He was a special ed teacher for many years before the family moved to Minnesota, where he returned to the US Postal Service.

An opera enthusiast as well as a dedicated sports fan, Robert enjoyed golfing, gardening and hiking. He took special pleasure in studying history and was a voracious reader, especially of mysteries.

Robert was an original member of the Summit Hill Community Garden in Saint Paul until this year. He loved to plant many tomato plants, cosmos and mexican marigolds together in a mass of greenery and blooms, then watch all summer as butterflies and bees would visit his garden plot.

Robert was also dedicated to his beloved pets (especially his cats). While living in Omaha, he enjoyed taking his children to the Fontenelle Forest nature preserve for hikes and classes. Upon moving to Minnesota, he delighted in finding the places where ducks and geese congregated so he could watch them (and feed them in winter).

Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to the Ramsey County Library or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.

memorial service

Robert Bennett Lawson

August 4, 2021

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services