Obituary of Ervin Robertson

Ervin Henry Robertson passed away peacefully on August 4, 2011 at home in Cambridge, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. Born to Henry and Ella Voss Robertson on May 25, 1922 in Worthington, Minnesota, Ervin grew up in Nobles County where he attended local schools. He married Lenora Marie Mellema on June 27, 1946, at her family home in Worthington. Together, they raised five children and farmed over 40 years in Bigelow Township. Ervin also was a Pioneer Seed Corn representative for 15 years. They moved from the farm to Worthington for about 7 years, and then relocated to Cambridge, Minnesota, in 2000, where they could be closer to most of their children. In December, 1948, Ervin was seriously injured in a car-tractor accident. After months of surgeries and recuperation, Ervin continued his agricultural operations with his wife, and followed his dream of farming and raising a family. Known for his leadership in community work, Ervin served 1968 to 1984 as a supervisor on the Soil and Water Conservation Board, where he experimented with new agricultural methodology and introduced new technologies to other farmers that protected land and water resources. He was active in the Farm Bureau organization and in his retirement was a Kiwanis club member and President. He served many years as Clerk of Bigelow Township and was a Big Brother in the YMCA program to mentor youth. He also served in many capacities at his church in Worthington, and was active in his new home church in Cambridge. Ervin was preceded in death by his parents and by his first daughter, Leanna Kay. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lenora, his two brothers Dale and Lloyd Robertson, and his two sisters Marlys Tash and Carol Schaefer. He is also survived by his five children and their spouses, Susan (Chris) Boyd, Nancy (Mick) Thielen, Mark (Kathy) Robertson, Ellen (Timothy) Voigt, and Mary (Allen) Mork. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.