Robert A. Kubista, 69, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at Owatonna Hospital.

He was born April 17, 1944, in Blooming Prairie, the son of Robert and Mildred (Kruckeberg) Kubista. He attended St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School and then attended high school in Dodge Center graduating in 1962. He married Gwen Moe on Oct. 6, 1962, in Hayfield and the couple made their home in Owatonna until 1973. Bob worked for Jostens and Wengers from 1962 to 1980. In 1973, the couple moved to Bob’s family farm in rural Blooming Prairie where he farmed. In 1991, they relocated to the city of Blooming Prairie. Bob worked for Cybex for 21 years retiring in 2007. Bob was a past member of Redeemer Lutheran, Owatonna, St. John’s Lutheran, Claremont, and was a current and active member at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. He was a very compassionate man to everyone he met, and a very devoted husband who showed unconditional love for Gwen. His children, grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends meant so very much to him. An annual fishing trip to northern Minnesota with the guys in the family was a very special time for Bob. He spent months organizing and preparing much to everyone’s delight. He enjoyed gardening, traveling with Gwen, sports, and having stimulating conversations regarding politics and faith with his brother, DuWayne, over their daily cup of coffee. For the last few years, Bob has worked part-time transporting school children for KDC of Blooming Prairie. He was proud to have recently obtained his license to drive school bus.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Kubista of Blooming Prairie, children Andrew (Susan) Kubista of Blooming Prairie, Joel (Lisa) Kubista of Blooming Prairie, Catherine (Brent) Mair of Platte City, Mo., Matthew (Mayro) Kubista of Loyal, Wis., and Allyson (Greg) Skillestad of Blooming Prairie, 18 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by two sisters, Joyce (Reverend Bill) Lewis of Tucson, Ariz., Mary Lou (Paul) Nordby of Owatonna, and one brother DuWayne (Joan) Kubista of Blooming Prairie, and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Reverend Gary Kubista, and brother-in-law Luverne Zacharias.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, and at First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday Feb. 27, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday Feb. 27, 2014, at First Lutheran Church with Revs. Charlie Leonard and Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Interment will be in the Blooming Prairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Steele County Food Shelf or the Blooming Prairie Ministerial Fund.