Robert V. Cole, 85, of Burnsville passed away at his home on Oct. 22, 2009.
He was a proud member of the USAF for 41 years. He retired as Master Sargent WWII Veteran, Korea and Vietnam. He served 24 years as Navy Chief Petty Officer and 17 years in the 133rd MN Air National Guard. H e also served 20 years with the Austin MN Fire Dept, and was a 60-year Member of the American Legion. He was a Lifetime Member of the Austin VFW # 1216.
Preceded in death by father Joseph, who was the youngest enlisted veteran of WWI at the age of 15; and mother, Florence Leona Cole.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (nee Merth); step-children, James (Patrice) Gilles, Janet (Bryan) Christensen and Joseph (Therese) Gilles; grandchildren, Amanda Christensen (Larry Mondor), Jeremy Christensen, Jennifer (Brent) Theis and Anne (Dan) Markus; great-grandchildren, Brianna and Brandon Mondor, Robert and Madison Christensen and Rachel Theis; and cousin, Sharon Garofalo,
Funeral Services 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. S. with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.