Robert “Bob” L. Sikkink, 83, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 12, 2016.

Bob was born July 28, 1932, in Preston, Minnesota, to John and Norma (TerBeest) Sikkink. He attended the Stone School in Cherry Grove, Minnesota, and high school in Ridgeway, Iowa. Bob served his country as a member of the United States Navy Air Corp from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1954. He returned home and on Nov. 19, 1955, and was united in marriage to Meredith Brenna in Mabel, Minnesota. For the first 13 years of his career Bob worked at the Rochester Airport. In 1967, they moved to Austin where Bob managed the Austin Airport and ran his own flying service “The Flying Dutchman” until 1979. For several years he continued to do the groundskeeping at the airport, a job he held for 40 years. In 1986, Bob opened Austin Power Equipment which he operated until his retirement in 2010. He was a longtime member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin and had been active in various groups including American Legion Post 91, VFW Post 1216, Moose Lodge 1180, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 703, and Elks Lodge 414. Bob enjoyed the Midwest, going to the river and reading. He loved to fly, and spent much of his time tinkering with mowers.

Bob is survived by his children, Robert (Karen) Sikkink of Rochester, Gretchen Sikkink of Austin, Nanette (Tim) Sellers of Austin, David Sikkink of Owatonna, Daniel Sikkink of Austin, and Amy (Mike) Fossey of Austin; his nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; siblings, Nathan Sikkink of Rochester, Carla Barr of Eagan, Lance (Diane) Sikkink of Spring Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Meredith in 2001; brothers, Thomas and Phillip; sister-in-law Mary Sikkink.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin with Pastor Michael Olmsted officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home and continue Friday morning for one hour prior to services at church. Interment with military honors will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Westminster Church Youth Fund or donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.