"In Memory of you this Memorial Weekend! In life, while growing up our memories play such a big part in our lives and the ones I have of you make me smile and laugh when I think of you- we still hear those great stories of your good ole' days as a youngster so you still remain alive in our hearts! You are sadly missed but remembered with so much love, I know you are keeping an eye on us from heaven above and have occasionally visited- we've seen you. To have had you in our lives meant the world to us, you were simply a WONDERFUL Uncle, THE BEST that there could be! God Bless You! =o)"
In loving memory of
Robert Navarro
September 15, 1945 - July 26, 2010
ROCHESTER - Robert Navarro, age 64, died late Monday evening in his home with his family at his side after a long-fought battle with cancer.Robert was born in Lyman, Nebraska on September 15, 1945 to Victor and Maria (Sanchez) Navarro. He married Debra Kay Gomez on April 17, 1971 in Mason City, Iowa.Robert was the fifth born of ten from a hard-working migrant family. He was very proud of his heritage and roots, and his priority was always family. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1965, was drafted into the Army in 1966 and discharged in 1972. He was married that same year and enjoyed a life spent playing softball, volleyball, golf, traveling, and spending time with friends and family; he especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors. Those closest to him testify to his kindness, warmth, caring, compassion, understanding, and overall loving heart. He was once asked what his bucket-list consisted of and he was quoted as saying, "just being with my family." Robert is already truly missed by many; a model brother, son, cousin, friend, father, grandfather, and husband.Robert is survived by his wife Debra; their three children, Christina (Magnus) Wahlstrom of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robert Anthony Navarro of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Dominique Joseph Navarro of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Jenna Novak and Emily Vaillancourt; his mother Maria; eight siblings, Alfonso (Karen) Navarro of Rochester, Josephine (Jesse) Trevino of Elk City, Oklahoma, Leonard (Judy) Navarro of Rosemount, Minnesota, John (Rosa) Navarro of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Ramon (Terri) Navarro of Rochester, Arturo (Terri) Navarro of Rochester, David (Jyl Eppard) Navarro of Kasson, and Richard (Malinda Dyrdal) Navarro of Albert Lea; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Robert is preceded in death by his father, Victor; infant brother, Ricardo; father-in-law, Pete Gomez; brother-in-law, Alberto Muniz, Jr.; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, July 30, 2010 at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18th Ave. NW, with Father Joe Keefe officiating. A visitation will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 5-8 pm with a rosary at 7:30 pm; and also a visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Newry Township/Ellendale in Freeborn County, Minnesota with military honors.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Robert Navarro Memorial Fund.
Tributes
"I am so very sorry to hear of Robert's early departure for a destination we are all drawing near, at least those of us who like myself, attended school with Robert. He was a fine person with a quick smile and a desire to learn. I attended school with him in Crosbyton, Texas and we laughed a bit."
"My most sincere condolences to the Navarro family as you let go such a sweet spirit. I knew and admired Robert as we grew up in Crosbyton. When we re-connected years later, it was apparent he had maintained his unassuming warm personality. He was so very proud of his children and the love he and Deby shared was so uplifting. God bless each of you as you walk this journey."
"Deby - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We are never ready to let go of a good man. May your faith get you through the days ahead toward healing. Keep with you and the children all the great memories and character lessons learned from him. Don't know if you remember me it's been so long. I am your old neighbor Mary Diekema. My deepest condolences.Mary"
"We are friends of Richard and were lucky enough to meet Robert a few times.What a great example your family would make for what all family's should be like.I've heard so many great stories and it seems like Robert was in quite a few of them.We are very Sorry for the loss of your Brother.We have no doubt he is in heaven today. Sincerly-Terry&Rebecca"
"I was sad to hear of Roberts passing. We would see him at a high school baseball game and visit. I was in the class of 65 and am thankful for having known him."
"So sorry for your loss."
"Deb, our hearts go out to you and your family during this sad time.Death leaves a heartacheNo one can heal;Love leaves a memoryNo one can steal"
"Few people from our graduating class have shown such dedication, wisdom, and sense of of the joy of life. We will all miss Robert and our hearts ache for his family."
"Robert, I met you one time on a trip to Rochester and was honored to have spent time with you and Deby as we shared hillarious stories. Although I only shared a couple hours of time with you, I knew right away you were a great man with a great heart. Thanks for a wonderful time and God Bless you and your family now and for years to come."
"Dearest DebbieSorry to hear of your loss.I know how much fun and loveyou two had for your families.If you are out for a walk, stopand say hello. We still liveon the other side of the school."
"Our prayers are with you."
"The Strom's thoughts and prayers are with you. - Jim Strom"
"Deby, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Robert will be missed. He was a good man."
"Deby, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be surrounded, protected, and strengthened by God's love and presence. - Marti Riley -"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Robert will greatly missed but greatly honored and remembered always. Jim"
"Our Sincerest condolences to the Navarro Family. Our thoughts are with all of you."
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"Dear Navarro Family - May God bless you all during this difficult time. I am praying for you all to find comfort in the wonderful memories and know that God is holding you and giving you strength. Dana"
"Deb and family, we want you to know we are praying for you and the family. Please contact us if we can do anything for you."
"My sympathies to all of your family. My prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May God bless you and give you strength."
"Though our friendship was short and limited, the impression made upon me by Robert will forever live. My sincerest condolences to the Navarro family."
"It was a great pleasure and honor to know Robert. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."
"Our deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Our prayers are also with you all. from Ruben and Yolanda and family"
"(to Robert)To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. -Thomas CampbellMy sympathies for you Deb and your family during this very sad time."
"My heartfelt condolences Deby during this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers. May God be with you in the days to come."
"God bless you cousin Robert, you are in a better place now. May God also bless our Navarro family during this sad time. Our hearts our heavy but always keep the memory.In my prayers,Luke"
"Deby - Our heartfelt condolences to you and your facility during this time of loss. God Bless your family."
"Deby, Thinking of you in these difficult times. My deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"May the Lord Bless the broken hearts of the family & friends of Robert! He will be deeply missed!Very special person in many lives, he loved his family & friends very much..."
"Dear Deb and family, Robert will be sadly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your friend,Kevin"
"Deb, Tina, Rob, Dom: I am so sorry for your loss! I have been thinking of each of you and are in my prayers. Toni McCaleb"
"Dear Deby and Family,I was deeply saddened by the death of Robert. This must be very difficult for you. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but he has passed on to a better place now. You can take comfort and strength from your family. I know their love will get you through this sad time.May God bless you and your family during this time and always.Tom Wizda"
"Rich & Family,So sorry to hear about your loss...it is never easy and one of the hardest things a person will ever experience. But keep his memories alive by talking about all the good times and cherish those times forever. You now have an angel watching over you in heaven and that's something very special to have. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."
"Condolences to Robert's family from a high school classmate."
"We, the DeLaCruz family wish to express our sympathies to Debbie, their family, and to all the Navarro families. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. We all grew up together in Hollandale. He will be greatly miss."
"We are so sorry to hear about Roberts' death. Want to let you and your family know that you are all in our prayers."
"To Deby,Kathy and I are both very sorry for your lose of Robert. You and your family are in our prayers"
"Already missed. Forever in our hearts."
"Your family is in our prayers."
"To the Navaroo family,My prayers are with you.Karyn"
"We wish to send you our heartfelt sympathy for your loss of Robert. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"With deepest sympathy, Rick Ramsey"