Newell, Robert D. Robert Newell, our father and hero, died in the early hours of Christmas Day 2020. He was born July 23, 1920 and celebrated his 100th birthday with a drive-by salute at White Pine Assisted Living in Blaine, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by is loving wife, Harriet Greene Newell, in 2014. Bob grew up in Slayton, MN, playing trumpet in the city band for his father, the conductor. He served in the US Army during WII in active combat on Attu Island, Alaska, for 19 months. He achieved the rank of Company 1st Sergeant, living in an asbestos quonset hut for the duration. Bob returned to Minnesota, married Harriet and lived an active life with her for 68 years. They had four children. Bob's father was a stone mason, so it was a natural for him to continue as a brick and stone worker, spending 28 years for M.A. Mortensen as a brick foreman. During these years, Bob and Harriet had a cabin on Leech Lake and earned the title of Winter Texans as residents of Brownsville, TX in cold weather. Bob continued as member of the Masonic Lodge until his death. He was set to attain the Mason's 75-year recognition in 2021. Many members of his Lodge visited him at his birthday celebration in July and it touched Bob deeply. Being a trumpet player of the first order, Bob loved big band and swing music throughout his long life. Bob is survived by his children David and Karen Newell, daughter Jackie Clarke, Eugene and Holly Newell and Paul and Sandy Newell. He had eight grandchildren, ten great grand children and one great-great granddaughter. Godspeed, Dad. He will be interred with Military Honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Northeast-Winslow Lewis Masonic Lodge, PO Box 231, Osseo, MN 55369 or the donor's choice.