DWYER, ROBERT E.
The Lord “ordered” Robert E. Dwyer home to run the trains on time in heaven. Our father died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center. He joins his beloved Shirley in heaven. Bob was 88.
Robert Emmett Dwyer was born June 22, 1916, to Thomas and Elizabeth Dwyer in La Crosse. He attendedSt. James Catholic School and Logan High School. In January 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and volunteered to serve in the country’s first commando unit, Carlson’s Raiders. Dad saw combat at Midway, Guadalcanal, Bougainville and New Caledonia. While on Guadalcanal, Private Dwyer served on the Long Patrol, including 30 days of combat behind enemy lines.
He was a member of American Legion Post 595 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1530. Robert worked as a fireman and engineer on the CB&Q and Burlington Northern Railroad for 40 years. He was local union president of Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineer (BLF&E).
On a blind date in Milwaukee on July 4, 1944, he met Shirley F. Robb. They were married June 23, 1946, sharing 56 years together before mother’s death in 2003. Pop loved sharing their river house with guests and family. His generous “Irish Spirit” entertained and calmed many visitors as the Mississippi meandered past.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Gary) Aubert of La Crosse; three sons, Thomas of Evansville, Wis., Timothy (Jan) of Cortland, Ill., and Sean (Laura) Dwyer ofLa Crescent, Minn.; and 10 grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7. Msgr. Donald Grubisch will officiate, with entombment in St. Francis of Assisi mausoleum. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 595.
Friends and family may call at Blaschke Funeral Home Nelson Chapel, 1007 Caledonia St., today from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m., and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s name should be directed to Chileda Institute.
Robert E. Dwyer lived his life by the grace of daily obligations. He will be missed.