Robert Bob Cushman

Robert 'Bob' Cushman May 4, 1922 - July 26, 2012

Robert "Bob" Cushman, age 90, of Faribault, died Thursday, July 26, 2012 at St. Mary''s Hospital in Rochester following an accident at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Dr.) in Faribault, with the Rev. Kevin Finnegan, officiating. Interment will be held at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, with military honors provided by Rice County Central Veterans Association. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault. Robert was born May 4, 1922 in Faribault. His ancestor, also Robert Cushman, assisted in putting together the Mayflower Compact, landing the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. In his youth, Robert loved sports especially, baseball, softball and bowling. In the 40''s and 50''s he played baseball for the Southern Minnesota League along with Dave Thomas, Bob Reint, Putz Burhartzmeyer, George Gudknecht, Tommy Barrett, "Hockey" Mealy and Ole Lucken. Later he became an avid golfer which he enjoyed playing well into his 80''s. Robert was a decorated soldier who fought in Germany during WWII in the 10th Armored Division. He received both the Bronze Star and a Presidential Citation for his heroic deeds on the battle field. When he returned from the service, he married Mary Alice Paquette on May 15, 1946 and began his career at what was then Northern States Power Company and today is known as Excel Energy. Robert would tell you working for NSP was the best job a fellow could have. He enjoyed his fellow workmates who would often meet for lunch and were known to play a few hands of euchre. Robert was an active member in several organizations including the VFW, Legion, Moose Lodge and Eagles. He shall be remembered as a loving husband, patient father, a friend to many, a fierce patriot and a man who always put the needs of others first. He is survived by his son, Mark (Jean) Cushman of Monticello; daughter, Shelley Mackay of Faribault; grandchildren, Chase (Ashley) of Washington, DC, Katrina Cushman of St. Louis Park, Mike and Molly Mackay of Faribault; two great grandchildren, Riley and Madeline Mackay; sister, Ruth Olson of Faribault and by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary and by his daughters Barbara, Vicki and Debra.