Robert John Hawkins, 67, of Halstad, MN, passed peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Robbie was born on December 19, 1955, in Fargo, ND to Martin and Verna (Orre) Hawkins. Robbie would often joke about his birth and how his interest in electronics and technology came to be – he was born 2 months premature because his mother received an accidental electric shock from a lamp that sent her into labor.
Martin and Verna raised their family on a small farm outside of Halstad, where Robbie would continue to spend his life – raising a family of his own.
Robert graduated from Halstad High School in 1974. He served as a Teacher Aide through his high school years and also taught with the Migrant School Program from 1973 through 1976.
After High School, Robbie pursued an education at Moorhead Tech, where he studied Auto Mechanics and Accounting.
From the late 70’s through the 90’s, Robbie began working with William “Bucky” Wang at the Standard Oil Station in Halstad, MN. He drove Fuel Truck for many years before transitioning into Business Management and Retail in the Halstad Convenience Store.
The Halstad Cenex was his pride and joy. He helped to design and build the store that sits on the corner of Hwy 75 and Hwy 200. He loved being there – so much so, that he came out of retirement in his final months to spend time in his special place.
When he wasn’t working at the C-Store, he kept busy with furnace repair and maintenance for several friends in the community. Many would often joke about his big red van, but he always hoped that when they saw that van, they knew help was on the way.
Robbie was truly passionate about education and helping others. He was always fixing something that would help another and he was so proud of his “tinkering” accomplishments. He strived to continue learning; researching everything from gardening and tractor repairs to how to build computers. He always said, “A day that you don’t learn something new is a day wasted.” Never stop learning.
Of all of his accomplishments, Robbie was most proud of his beautiful granddaughters and cherished the special bond he had built with them. He invited them to grow up on the family farm that he took so much pride in so that he could see them every single day. He was so proud to share his love of gardening and appreciation of the outdoors with them. His favorite memory was digging a mud pool for them to swim in as soon as the weather allowed. We will always cherish the memories of sitting in the dirt, eating peas and strawberries with him.
All who had the pleasure of knowing Robbie knew he was full of love, knowledge, and jokes – lots and lots of jokes! His humor and caring soul will be deeply missed by many.
Robert is survived by his children, Tracie (Tony) Mathews, Halstad, MN, and Jonah Hawkins, Butner, NC; his three granddaughters, who he adored and cared for deeply, Harper, Harlee & Hadley; his brothers, David (Jann) Hawkins, Detroit Lakes, MN and Richard Hawkins, Asheville, NC; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his former wife and special friend Cynthia Ruiz, Gary, MN; and several friends who were like family in the Red River Valley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Verna; his uncles, Oscar Orre, Leonard Orre and Arnold John Orre; his aunt, Evelyn; and special family friend, Mark Julin.
Celebration of Life Service: 5:00 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Legion Recreational Center, Halstad, MN with visitation to begin one hour before.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
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