ROBERT F. DURBIN

Robert F. “Bob” Durbin, 88 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Friday evening, January 20, 2012 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Dale Kinzler celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, on Tuesday, January 24th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Bob will be his grandsons Joel Durbin, Paul Durbin, Seth Durbin, Gage Durbin, Brady Durbin and great grandson, Levi Durbin. Reading the Scriptures will be Susan and Tim Durbin. Gift Bearers will be McKenzie Durbin, Ally Durbin, and Hannah Durbin. A Special Tribute to Bob will be given by Rob Durbin. Robert Francis, the son of Eugene and Anne (Brady) Durbin was born on September 2, 1923 at Devils Lake, ND. He was raised and educated in the Doyon/Southam area, attending school in Southam. As a young man he helped on the family farm and during World War II, the family spent several winters in Bremerton, Washington where he worked in the shipyard to support the war efforts. On November 14, 1945, Bob was united in marriage to Delores “Dee” Hietala at Lakota, ND. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their family. Bob worked for Lake Supply for many years before going into partnership in 1974 as one the owners and operators of Durbin-Knutson Body Shop. Dee passed away on December 25, 1985. Bob was blessed to meet and later marry Cheryl Bowers on March 25, 1988 at Devils Lake where they made their home through the years. Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Devils Lake Eagles Lodge. Bob retired from the Body Shop business in 1985, but he certainly didn’t retire from work. He actually became quite famous for his lawn and snow removal service. He was so meticulous and took such pride in the well groomed lawns and “clean to the concrete” driveways and sidewalks he was responsible for in winter and summer months all around Devils Lake. He retired in 2010, probably being one of the oldest yard maintenance men in the area for several years running. He truly loved the outdoors and was thankful for the health and stamina to work hard. He felt truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and so many dear friends in his life. Bob is survived by his wife Cheryl; sons and daughters-in-law Rick and Dorothy, Devils Lake, Tim and Susan West Fargo, Rob and Val also of West Fargo and Jan Durbin of Sauk Centre, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; sister-in-law Cora Durbin of Bisbee, Arizona; plus many nieces and nephews also survive. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife Delores; son, Ronald in 1994; grandson, Mark A. Durbin; sister, Rosemary McCaffrey and brothers Vincent, Lloyd, Pat, Greg and Jerome.