Robert N. Wasti, 86, Hastings, MN, died at home on January 13, 2022, of kidney and heart failure. He was also in the middle stages of dementia.
He was born at home in Brantwood, Wisconsin on April 15, 1935, the son of Urho and Hannah (Maki) Wasti. He was a 1953 graduate of Tri-County High School in Tripoli, Wisconsin. He served in the Army as an Artillery Surveyor in Germany and is a member of the American Legion, Post 47 in Hastings. He married Shirley Keskinen at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Brantwood on December 1, l956.
He moved to Minneapolis in November 1956 and was employed by CoinMeter Company until he went to Dunwoody Institute where he studied to become a Mechanical Designer. He worked as a Designer at Univac 19581969 and Dexon 1969-1972 and sold cars at Grossman Chevrolet in Minneapolis. He made cabinets and built furniture part-time until he started cabinet making full time in 1972. After living in New Hope, MN from 1960 to 1977, found the perfect five acres in the country south of Hastings and lived there until his death.
Bob enjoyed singing solos, duets and in choirs at Cross of Christ in Welch and Cannon River in Miesville, MN, in English and Finnish at St. Mathews and Beautiful Savior in New Hope, MN. He sang and played guitar at dozens of weddings, funerals and especially enjoyed entertaining residents of nursing homes. Nothing meant more to him than singing the National Anthem at Memorial Day programs. He joined Cross of Christ in 1981, taught Sunday School for 28 years and was very active there.
He enjoyed singing and playing guitar, drawing cars, biking, golfing, water skiing, traveling, playing basketball at the Y in Red Wing, Green-Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and spending time with friends and relatives.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, cousins in the U.S.and Finland, friends, neighbors and loving dogs Maggie and Oscar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and spouses Lil (George Lehto), Kenneth (Selena), Laurie (Sylvia), Eugene (Doris), Wilbert (Violet), Harold (Pat), nephews George Lee Lehto and Joe Wasti, nieces Karla and Kristine Wasti and Karen Johnson. Also in-laws Urho & Elma Keskinen and Kathy & Denis Brietzke.
Special thank you to the nurses, aides, doctors and staff at Abbott Northwestern, Hospice, Pastor Dan Nordin and nephew Kevin Wasti for the good care and comfort in the final days.
The plan is to have a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Brantwood in the Spring.
