Roberta R. Bilstein, 95, a native of Minnesota and a resident of Florence since 1948, passed away March 4, 2015, at her residence. She was a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in home economics, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 1948, a longtime member of the Ladies Alter Society and the American Red Cross where she served in conducting military service calls. She was active in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and was a member of the Mother Singers. Roberta was a people person, always doing for others. She was a swimming instructor for a number of years. Her hobbies were dress making and design; she was well-known as a seamstress and knitter for which she was very accomplished. She was retired from the Department of Pensions and Security and served on the Mental Health Board.
Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial following at 1 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Roy Runkle. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Mrs. Bilstein was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Roberta; husband of 62 years, Robert T. “Bob” Bilstein; parents, Jesse and Julia Huston; sister, Veda Birkenshaw; daughters-in-law, Iris and Pat.
She is survived by her sons, Robert T. Bilstein III, Lawrence H. Bilstein (Cheryl); daughters, Teresa B. Boggan, Barbara A. Bilstein; brother, Andrew B. Huston (Jean); grandchildren, Robert Bilstein IV (Melody), Jo Helene Patrick (Shawn), Richard Bilstein (Caroline), Lauren Schurfeld (Jason), Chip Boggan, Darren Walker (Claire), Kevin Walker (Michelle), Trace Walker (Regina); 18 great-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers will be Chip Boggan, Robbie Boggan, Shawn Patrick, Jason Schurfeld, Richard Bilstein and Rob Talcott. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert T. Bilstein IV.
