Robert W. Jackson, 86, of Willow River, Minnesota and formerly of Superior, Wisconsin and Hopkins, Minnesota, died Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Augustana Mercy Health Care Center, Moose Lake, Minnesota.

He was born September 3, 1924 in Superior, son of Forrest and Clara (Bond) Jackson.

Robert was B-17 pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.

Following WWII he worked as a draftsman and map maker for the U.S. Weather Bureau in Alaska, Sikorsky Helicopter in Connecticut, various firms in Superior and Dennis Hurd in Minneapolis.

He was a perfectionist and excellent craftsman; however, he did not expect perfection from others. Bob loved to design and build wooden ships, including a 50' sailing ketch. He enjoyed reading books from his 4000 plus book collection. He was the original designer and manufacturer of medical office exam room signals. Also, Bob was well known for his quick wit

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Beatrice in 1999; daughter, Jill Torkelson in 2006; sister, Jane Brown; and brother, James Jackson.

Survivors include his sister, Lois (Bud) Pettingill, Hawthorne, Wis.; grandson, Gary Kull, Minnetonka, Minn.; son-in-law, Leon Torkelson, Willow River, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, with Reverend John Venzke officiating.

Pallbearers will be Gary Kull, Leon Torkelson, Tracy Brown, Arvid Kull,
John Drewitz and Ed Maehren.

Burial with military rites accorded by the Lockman-Jensen American Legion Post # 499 of Gordon will be held at the Bennett Cemetery, Bennett, Wisconsin.

Following the cemetery service, everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Bennett Town Hall.