Henry Wait

Bob Wait, born Henry Robert Wait, and fondly referred to as Uncle Bob by many, passed from this earth to his heavenly Home on November 12, 2014 at around 9:40 AM at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas at the age of ninety (90), surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

Uncle Bob was born in St. Paul Minnesota on the 29th day of October in the year 1924. He was the eldest child of three sons born to Della Irene O'Neill Wait and George Dewey Wait

Moving to Faribault as a toddler he spent nearly his entire life there relocating to Texas to live with his niece after health issues no longer allowed for him to care for himself.

He loved as a young boy spending time at his grandparent's farm in Morristown helping them out, sleeping on their porch, and would hitch a ride back to Faribault on the weekends with the postman. Although not blind, his eye sight was horrible to say the least, and so the decision was made by the teachers at B.A. and his parents for him to attend the State School for the Blind in Faribault. He loved to travel, and did so around our great country and Europe. He would drive, or take the bus but his first choice was always the train.

Humility comes first to mind with Bob Wait. As his eldest nephew, Bob Wait ("glad to have the name") stated, "Some may perceive that as a character flaw, or disorder, however worthwhile humility is, he made it seem natural."

Uncle Bob was employed for forty-six years, three months, and twenty-six days for NSP. He would bundle up and walk to work even in the middle of a blizzard, and was a devoted employee. He retired on October 31st, 1989 and yet another chapter of his life began.

Nothing was more important than his faith or his family. The Rosary, if not in his hands, was always in his pocket. A parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, he always gave of his time, talent, and treasure. He was a member of many organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, and The Moose Lodge. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels serving the senior citizens. Sacrifice, and service pretty much surrounded him all of his life, and he helped to raise his two nieces after the death of his brother, and took care of his parents until their deaths.

Uncle Bob loved life, and believed that there would be plenty of time to rest when you were no longer here. Bob spent countless hours in the library, and by that I mean practically daily, all of his life. He was a lifelong learner, especially of history even taking audit classes at a local college until about three years ago. Uncle loved to walk, listen to music, play golf, read, and sports were among his favorite pastimes, and he especially enjoyed BA sporting events.

You had to listen intently to find out things about Uncle Bob because he never boasted about his own pursuits and accomplishments. He could talk intelligently about any subject, to anyone, at all times. Uncle Bob believed that most things were perfectly fine-in moderation, and spent his time here on earth preparing for eternity. His goal was to reach Heaven, his prayer for a happy death. His sister-in-law Dorothy Jirik Wait spoke very true words, "He was a kind and wonderful man. He never spoke an ill word about anyone." Indeed, that is true he was plain and simple, a good, humble, and holy man.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Della and George, and his brothers' George Neil and Eugene.
Bob is survived by his nieces', Theresa and husband Bruce of Lumberton Texas, and Joanne and her husband David of Waggoman, La who gave him four great nephew's, and a great niece who gave him six great-great nieces, and three great- great nephews. Dorothy Jirik Wait of Detroit Michigan, the widow of Gene Wait and their six children Bob (Debbie) of Cincinnati Ohio, Barbara (Paul Wilcox) of Jackson Michigan, Anne (Tom) Terry of Vashon Island in Washington State, Mary (Ed) Schrek from Winnetka Illinois, Patty (Chris) Bednark in Onaway Michigan, and Tom (Kathy) Wait of Royal Oak Michigan. He has eleven great nieces and great nephews from Gene's children and one great-great niece. He is also survived by cousins Leonard Blais and wife Emily of Texas, and their children, Teresa Ballentine and her husband Bob of Northfield, MN, Richard (Mary) O'Neill of Faribault, Clarene VanErp of Faribault along with numerous other cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive in Faribault. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday for one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School or to Buckham Memorial Library in memory of Bob.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault, MN.

The family also wishes to thank the parishioners' of Infant Jesus Catholic Church of Lumberton, TX, especially Father Andrew Moore for his countless hours of love and friendship shown to Bob. In addition thanks go to Divine Mercy, and all who have given him many years of joy and friendship.