Rev. Robert A. Karklin

Rev. Robert A. Karklin, 85, Cook Went to be with his Lord and Savior, on February 23, 2015, at Carefree Living in Cook where he was making his home the past 5 years.
Bob was born on October 19, 1929 in Duluth and raised there primarily by his widowed Grandfather, Edward Holden. He joined the Marines in 1951 and served in Korea. After his tour of duty he returned to Duluth, then left to find work in Minneapolis. He became a Master Electrician and always had a good job .Then, when he was almost 25 years old, he made a commitment of his life to God and felt led to serve Him in full time ministry. He graduated from St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College) in 1960. He married Kathleen "Kay" Kjellberg on April 8, 1961. Bob served as pastor for churches in Minnesota, North Dakota and Colorado. In 1984 they returned to Minneapolis, where Bob worked in the electrical field, and in 1985 was fortunate to be employed at Honeywell until his retirement in 1995. They moved to Cook in 1999.
Bob had suffered two strokes in 2002, which slowed him up considerably and took away his ability to read, but he always enjoyed his church, and his friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne Moen; his grandfather, Edward Holden and one brother, Lance Moen.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kathleen "Kay" Karklin , three children; Melody (Gregg) Knudson of Evansville, WI, and Rob Karklin of Thailand and Josh Karklin of Minneapolis; 7 grandchildren - Sasha, Camille, and Aria Knudson, Stephanie, Lance, Charisse and Johana Karklin, 1 brother - Terry (Jean) Moen of Florida, MN; and many friends in Christ.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday (March 28th) at the First Baptist Church in Cook, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Randy Swensonand Rev. Bruce Hannem will be the co-officiant. Doreen Olson will be the pianist, singing will be congregational. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of the Cook VFW and the Orr American Legion. Spring interment will be in Cook Community Cemetery. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Baptist Missions, mailed to the First Baptist Church, 210 1st Ave. NE, Cook, MN. 55723 Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.