Robert Ray LaVone

Robert Roy LaVone 11/02/1946 - 06/05/2026 Our beloved Robert entered the gates of heaven, no more pain but everlasting life with Jesus Christ our Lord. Robert is survived by his wife Paulette, sons Chris (Amanda), Chad and Curt, daughters Angela and Pam, grandchildren Marilyn, Elana, Maiya, Blake, Emily, and Brady, and his loyal grand pups Buddy and Oliver. Robert loved his family with all of his heart and soul. Robert and Paulette loved to take their children on camping trips, and fishing adventures! Robert had a great love for archery and taught all of his children how to hunt.

Robert and Paulette were married for 55 years. They had such an amazing genuine love for each other. If they weren’t stepping on each other's toes, they were often seen sneaking in a kiss on the cheek or a slap on the butt. They were an amazing team! He always worked hard supporting his family, leading them, teaching them, and loving everyone around him. Robert loved to cook for his family, having celebrations and gatherings for the grandchildren. He was very detailed and intentional with every meal, the only person allowed to help him in the kitchen was Pam!

Robert worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for 38 years. He was very proud of his work and would often drive Paulette on the roads that were recently worked on and say, Isn’t this smooth and perfect? Robert was a leader, greatly liked and respected by his co-workers. His co-worker Matt became a great friend! Bob loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle adventures with Matt and Diane. They became his family and supported him with a beautiful friendship through his passing days. When Robert retired, he helped take care of his granddaughter Elana. He had so much passion for his yard at home! He would get so excited to mow the yard with his John Deere riding lawn mower. When he wasn’t mowing he could not wait to use his monster snow blower!

Robert served in the United States Army in 1966. He was drafted and sent to Vietnam at 18 years old. Robert was a true American Hero and was very proud to have served his country. He suffered exposure from Agent Orange, broken ear drum and PTSD. That did not stop him from loving America and being an amazing human! He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and devoted his time helping other veterans.

Family and friends gathered at the VA Hospital Minneapolis, MN on June 5, 2026 to join his walk of honor. The candles were lit, the bells rang and he was honored with love, dignity and respect.

We thank our small but mighty village for all of the support! Wife Paulette for nurturing and loving him through good and bad health, daughter Angela for advocating and protecting her father, Pam for continually bringing the grandchildren to pray with him, his sister Jenny and her husband Warren for always visiting and keeping his snack drawer full, Matt and his wife Diane for the laughs and smirks, and his sister Rosalie for keeping family together!

Gone from our site, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace Robert “Bob” “Bobby”

A final tribute for Robert LaVone will be at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Military honors. No date has been set at this time.