Robert E. Aastrup

Robert E. Aastrup, 90, of Mason City, Iowa died Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave, with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Robert was born September 29, 1926 in Humboldt, Iowa, the son of Alfred M. and Anna (Pahus) Aastrup. His father, a Danish immigrant, was a brick layer and a farmer in the area. Robert and his two brothers, Alvin and Delmar, worked on the family farm. Upon his graduation from high school Robert was called upon to serve his country as it was embroiled in World War II. The Navy deferred his induction until the fall harvest was completed; after which he reported for duty. Upon completion of training in Texas and California he boarded a ship for Okinawa, Japan. According to Robert, their mission was to prepare for the possible invasion of Japan. Japan surrendered and Robert returned to the United States and was discharged July 12, 1946. He returned home where he met and married Verna LaVonne Claussen of Mason City. They celebrated their wedding and the beginning of a New Year on January 1, 1949. Verna joined Robert in farming and together they built a life and a business in Burchinal, Iowa, where they lived until they retired to Clear Lake and later Mason City. Robert and Verna loved traveling around the western and southwestern states, particularly enjoying the Phoenix area during the winter months. As everyone who knew him will confirm, Robert also enjoyed his friends and family and “visiting” over a cup of coffee. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 440 of Thornton, IA, along with his son, father, and brother.

Robert is survived by his wife of 67 years: Verna Aastrup of Mason City; 1 daughter: Jeannine Caskey (Ron); 1 daughter-in-law: Kathie Aastrup; 5 grandchildren: Matthew Baker, Melissa Baker, Sam Baker, Ryan Aastrup, Kristopher Aastrup (Serena Easley); 2 step-grandchildren: Chad Caskey, Cade Caskey; 10 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins: including his life- time friend, Larry Pahus.
Mr. Aastrup was preceded in death by his son, Richard Aastrup, his parents, and his brothers.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family suggests visiting Verna at the Homestead Assisted Living in Mason City. Best time of day to visit is afternoons between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.