Obituary of Robert James Loe

Robert James Loe, age 84 of Owatonna, passed away on May 4, 2019 at Birchwood Cottages. He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for the last dozen years. Funeral services will be held May 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am with visitation starting at 10am. Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol (Bagaason) Loe; his daughter Kristine Loe; his son, Brian Loe and his wife, Melissa; his daughter, Barbara Padrnos and her husband, Steve; seven grandchildren, Sean, Katie, Maren, Caroline, Claire, Abigail, and Cole; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Eileen Loe of Cavalier, ND; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Robert was born on June 15, 1934 in Bisbee, ND to Oscar and Sophie Loe. He attended school in Bisbee and graduated from high school in 1952. He completed a bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics and a minor in music education from the University of North Dakota in 1956. He completed a master's degree in math education at Washington State University in Pullman WA, and he pursued additional post-graduate studies at the University of Illinois, Western Washington State University, and Mankato State University. He served in the US Army Corps of Engineers and Army Reserves. Robert married Carol Bagaason on April 26, 1958 in Clearbrook, MN where he had begun his teaching career. Robert taught mathematics and directed bands in Clearbrook, MN and Drayton, ND. He taught mathematics in Jameston, ND from 1961 to 1964 and at Owatonna High School from 1964 until he retired in 1994. He was the coach of the OHS math team, winning the Minnesota State Math Tournament in 1989. Robert loved to play bridge, tennis, golf, and all sorts of games. He loved music, especially Dixieland jazz, classical, big-band and dance music. He and Carol were season subscribers to the Minnesota Opera from the late 1970s. They enjoyed performances at the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra for many years. Robert and Carol traveled widely in retirement. Robert was an intelligent, kind and gentle man who had a dry sense of humor. He was a supportive influence for both his family and his many students. His family will miss him dearly. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Glenn; and sister, Yvonne. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.