Robert E. Blowers, 80, of Austin, Minn., died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Robert Eugene Blowers was born May 28, 1932, in Austin to Walter and Inez (Strand) Blowers. He lived in Lyle as a child and graduated from Lyle High School in 1950. Bob served his country in the army during the Korean War. He married Florence Bartholomew on June 5, 1955, at the Church of Christ in Austin. Bob worked as an employee of the Hormel Corp. until his retirement in 1986. He later worked at Mrs. Gerry’s in Albert Lea. Bob was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. He enjoyed swimming, horseback riding, traveling, camping, bicycling, going on bus tours, long walks and spending time with his cats and dogs. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Florence Blowers, Austin; daughters, Angela Wrolson, Albert Lea, Minn., Julie (Daniel) Pieper, Hayward, Minn., Amy (Bernardo) Squires, Richfield, Minn., Gina Blowers, Austin; six grandchildren, Ginger Wrolson, Darrek Wrolson, Crystal Squires, Truly Squires, Nathaniel Squires, Talia Squires; one brother, Larry (Mary Ann) Blowers, Byron, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Inez Blowers, and nephew Bruce Blowers.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. American Legion Post 91 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216 are in charge of military rites. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.