Robert L. Staples

Funeral services for Robert L. Staples of Morris, Minnesota, will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Morris, with Reverend Chris Richards officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be at Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Robert Leon Staples, son of Leon and Mary (Wille) Staples, was born November 13, 1928 in Morris, Minnesota.  He grew up on a farm South of Alberta, attending country in school in Synnes Township through the eighth grade.  Robert later graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. Following his schooling, Robert moved to California with his sister, Irene, where he worked in a shipyard dismantling equipment from World War II. Robert returned to Morris and was united in marriage to Jeraldine Smith on October 29, 1950 at First Lutheran Church in Morris.  The couple made their home on a farm near Morris, where they raised their three sons: Greg, Scott and Randy. Robert loved farming and worked on his farm for as long as he could.  Robert and Jeri moved to Morris in 2007 and on August 7, 2017 Jeri passed away.  Robert continued to live in Morris, moving to the Courage Cottage in May, 2022, where he lived until the time of his death.

Robert was a member of First Lutheran Church in Morris.  His passion was farming, feeding cattle and raising corn, soybeans and wheat.  Robert and Jeri loved to travel, driving to all of their destinations.  The couple made a trip to all the states except for Hawaii and Alaska! He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, anything chocolate and Pepsi.  Most of all, he cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Robert died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday August 27, 2023, at Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris.  He was 94 years old.

He is survived by two sons: Scott (Jenell) Staples of Morris and Randy (Bobbi-Jo) Staples of Morris; daughter-in-law: Doris Staples of Arizona; eight grandchildren: Mark (Jessie) Staples, Jody (Chad) Byerly, Katie (Jon) Dols, Angie (David) Lee, Melissa (Jason) Gabrielson, Alexis (Ryan) Schwochert, Paul (Kelsey) Staples and Jacob (Jackie) Staples; 16 great-grandchildren; brother: Stanley Staples of Chokio; sister: Mary Jean Krei of Osseo; sisters-in-law: Joanne Staples of Chokio and Mary Ann Smith of Rapid City, SD and brother-in-law: Jim Kelling of Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his wife: Jeri Staples; son: Greg Staples; his parents; brother: Howard Staples; sisters: Irene (Warren) Riley and Kathleen Kelling; sister-in-law: Janet Staples and brother-in-law: Brad Smith.