Robert Dean Jackson

Robert Dean Jackson, known as Bob by family and friends, passed away at the age of 80 at his home surrounded by his family on July 1, 2019.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato. Private family interment will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park in Mankato.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the Mankato Mortuary and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Bob was born on January 14, 1939 to Lloyd and Dallas Jackson in Mankato. He was a younger twin to sister, Bara and a big surprise to his mom and dad. Bob was a 1957 graduate of Mankato High School where he excelled in math and sports, specifically basketball, football and track and field. Bob continued his education at Mankato State University for engineering and again at Dunwoody College of Technology for electrical engineering.

He married Lola Hirdler in 1959 and had three children, Carri, Cheri and Marc. They enjoyed camping trips with their one-of-a-kind foldout tent, which stayed attached to their Pontiac. They started Jackson Studios and Framing. They later divorced. Bob was employed at Northern States Power for 34 years as a lead plant operator and an assistant superintendent. He continued with his wildlife picture framing at Accent Framing Shop.

He met Sharon Nelson at NSP and they were married on July 16, 1983. They had one child, Katie. Traveling was a big part of their life, especially to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Northern Minnesota, Florida and Hawaii. Upon his retirement in 1994, Bob and Sharon enjoyed spending their time traveling to their condo in Ft. Myers, Florida and to their lake cabin on the Whitefish Chain near Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Bob and Sharon did a lot of traveling with their friends Danny and Bonnie Corcoran and Duane and Carolyn Swan. Bob loved Polka music and you could always count on listening to it with him on Sunday afternoons. As a family, Lorie Line concerts became an annual Christmas tradition. Bob missed a few later concerts recently due to his health, but received signed autographed pictures from Lorie. Bob also had a special love for his grandchildren and always took time to tell them stories of his life growing up. Some of his stories were part fact and also made-up parts that usually got a laugh or two. He always ended a visit with a hug and an I love you. He loved practical jokes and making people laugh.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon Jackson of Mankato; four children, Carri Jackson (Mike Hansen) of Mankato, Cheri Jackson of Mankato, Marc (Amy) Jackson of Big Lake and Katie (Craig) Lacher of Mankato; twin sister, Bara (Dave) Arens of Lakeville; 12 grandchildren, Avy Jackson, Conrad Jackson, Amanda (Clint) McAlpine, Alexis (Wally) Dunning, Morgan (Nick) Cruze, Adam Jackson, Mariah Jackson, Logan (Tyler) Kirchner, Libby Jackson, Sydney Lacher, Jackson Lacher and Lainey Lacher; seven great grandchildren, Addie, Spencer, Violet, Jack and Cora McAlpine, Crosby and Wilson Dunning; sister in law, Jan Junko and her family; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clint Jackson; and sister, Glenda (Jerry) Gappa.

We could not have done this journey without Denise and Alison from Visiting Angels and Mayo Hospice. Caregivers became family, especially after almost three years of taking care of Bob.