Rev. Robert Givens Bailey

Robert Givens Bailey, age 85, passed away on May 3, 2026. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, May 19 at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service in Albert Lea, MN. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, May 20 at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN. A committal service will be held at 2 PM at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, MN.

Robert (Bob) was born on June 27, 1940 to Givens and Sylvia Fotheringham Bailey in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He was baptized on July 7, 1940 and was confirmed on May 23, 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1958 and continued his studies at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Robert joined the Navy and became an instructor at the Naval School of Music in Washington, DC for four years. On December 8, 1962 at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Washington, DC, Robert married Donna Stewart. Over the years, God blessed the two of them with four children: Lorraine, Raymond, Rebecca and Ronald. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren.

From Washington, DC, Robert and Donna moved to Vermillion, SD where Robert continued on and graduated from the University of South Dakota. He then attended and graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, IL in 1969. He served his vicarage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA and was then called to serve as the minister of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, IA. Throughout his career, he served as minister at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, IA; Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, MO; Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Lake Park, MN; Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City, IA and Peace Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD. Robert served as district secretary for the LCMS Minnesota South District, was circuit counselor various times throughout his ministry and has been interim/vacancy pastor in various churches in Iowa, South Dakota and southern Minnesota. Robert served as a chaplain in the Navy Reserve for many years. He volunteered at the Freeborn County Museum and the Albert Lea Cantori Choir. Robert loved music and played various instruments including piano, organ, string bass, tuba, and accordion.

Robert is survived by his wife, Donna Bailey of Albert Lea; two daughters: Lorraine Bailey of Iowa City, IA and Rebecca Ogilvie of Iowa City, IA (Sydney/Cody, Sam/Amy, Fred, Frannie and Frank Ogilvie); two sons: Raymond/Jacquelyn Bailey of La Crosse, WI and Ronald/Neha Bailey (Ojas and Dhara Bailey) of Rockville, MD; two brothers: Ralph/Conleth Bailey of Chamberlain, SD and Roger Bailey of Tonkawa, OK.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Givens Bailey, his mother Sylvia Fotheringham Bailey, his sister Elaine Bailey, his sister-in-law Mary Bailey, his father-in-law James Stewart and his mother-in-law Eleanor Schiller Stewart. After a 33-year battle with cancer, Robert died on May 3, 2026 with Donna and family by his side.

Robert was a wonderful man. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, minister and friend. He was a man of God. He positively influenced so many people’s lives. Robert was such a devoted husband who cherished and loved Donna for over 63 years – “they were best buddies”. He was selfless, full of joy, loved to laugh, was a good listener and would do anything for anyone. Robert devoted his life to God and family. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Instead of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Association/Relay for Life.

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service.

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