Robert "Bob" James Monroe

Robert James Monroe, of Aitkin, passed away November 20, 2024 at Aicota Health Care Center. He was born December 17, 1935 in Milaca, to Arthur Monroe and Selma (Olson) Monroe. He attended schools in Milaca until 1952, and graduated with honors from Granite Falls High School in 1953. He went on to attend South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy where he was active in student government. He was elected to Rho Chi Society (honorary pharmacy society) and Who’s Who in American Universities. He graduated from pharmacy school in 1957

Upon graduation he was awarded a commission as Ensign in the U.S. Public Health Service and served as pharmacist officer for several years at various locations in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and California, he remained a member of the Inactive Reserve Officer Corps until 1990, leaving the service with the rank of Commander. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1959 working at pharmacies in the area. While there he was introduced to Betty Jo Hash through his brother Don. They began dating and on August 20th 1960 he married the love of his life at Foundry Methodist Church in Washington D.C. They made their home in Chevy Chase, Maryland until October 1963. During this time, they welcomed two children, Alan in 1961 and Paul in 1963.

Bob and Betty moved to Aitkin in November 1963. Two more children were welcomed, Cindi in 1967 and Scott in 1972. He was the pharmacist manager for Buss Rexall Drug until April 1965. He purchased Aitkin Drug Store in 1965 and operated that pharmacy as Monroe Drug until 1973 when he formed a partnership with Jack Fossen to form Village Drug which they operated until July 1992. He continued to work at pharmacies around the area until 2015. It’s been said if you love your job, it’s not work. He felt blessed to have served actively as a pharmacist, a career which he loved, and enjoyed the interaction with his customers and assisting  with people’s health needs and questions.

In the community, he was a member of First Lutheran Church, serving several terms on the church council, District Representative and financial secretary. He was a 50 year and life member of Aitkin Masonic Lodge, serving two terms as Master and recipient of Minnesota Grand Lodge Hiram award; a 50 year and life member of Scottish Rite Freemasonry 32nd KCCH; and 50 year and life member of Aad Shriners of Duluth. He was a 50 year and life member of the Order of Eastern Star serving many terms as Worthy Patron. He served 10 years on the Board of Trustees for Riverwood Healthcare Center. He was a member of the Aitkin Historical Society serving a term on that Board of Directors and former member of the Aitkin Jaycees & Quarterbacks Club.

He enjoyed family gatherings with immediate and extended family, many camping trips along the Mississippi River with his brothers, travel including family cross-country trips and international travel, snowmobiling, boating on area lakes and the Mississippi. He was a leader and active part of the community, but he was also a gentle, loving soul and above all devoted to Betty and family as his primary love and interest.

Robert is survived by sons Alan (Penny), Paul (Leigh) and Scott (Sue) and daughter Cynthia (Rob), his grandchildren Erin Pollock, Mark, Matthew, Kelly and Leona Monroe, Skylar Kelly, Aliyah and Layla Fayaz, Great Grandchildren Adrianne and Michael Pollock.

Services will be Friday, December 13 at 11 AM in First Lutheran Church with Pastor Reggie Denton officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at a later date in Milaca at Forest Hill Cemetery.  To leave a message of condolence, visit: www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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