Robert Komes

Robert Marcus Komes, age 84, and long time resident of Alexandria, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 4, 2011. Born February 9, 1927 in Rice Lake, WI to Adam and Vitaline (Matton) Komes, Bob grew up in a log cabin in the forests outside of Birchwood, WI. Heeding the call to arms during WWII, he enlisted in the US Army, working his way through France and Germany. He returned to Wisconsin and married Margaret Papenheim on July 3, 1948. The couple moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1950, where Bob was employed at Bros Boilers as a painter. In 1965 they moved to Coon Rapids, MN and started a successful sewer contracting business called Coon Rapids Cesspool Company. In 1965, the family purchased a farm near Nelson, MN, operating a dairy farm and Bob's Service Shop. After selling the cows, he became service manager and chief mechanic at Sun Auto and Marine in Alexandria, MN. With retirement, he and Margaret moved into Alexandria where he enjoyed working in his shop, playing 500, visiting with friends and family, and fishing with his wife and son Bob. He leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-three years, Margaret Komes, of Alexandria; daughter, Barbara Williams of Alexandria, son, Robert (Denise) Komes of Stoughton, WI, son, David (Sally) Komes of Manahawkin, NJ, and daughter, Linda Sletto (Lydon) of Brandon, MN. His wisdom will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Dennis Williams (Jodi) of Howard, SD, Wade Williams (Kim) of Sherburn, MN, Michelle Sletto Shoultz (Phillip) of Snellville, GA, Nolan Sletto of Brandon, and Rachel Komes of Philadelphia, PA. His great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Abigail, Emily and Lillian Williams will remember him as a kind and gentle soul. His parents, three sisters, two brothers and an infant son preceded him in death. A memorial service to celebrate Bob?s life will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on April 9, 2011.