Robert A. Minks, 92, Kennan, died on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the Aspirus Pleasant View Nursing Home, Phillips. He was born on August 10, 1919, in the Township of South Fork, Rusk County, the son of John and Effie (Denny) Minks. He spent his early life and schooling in the Hawkins area where he attended the South Fork School. As a young man he worked in the harvest fields of North Dakota, the lumber camps, and in the Flambeau State Forest Area. He was married to Arleen Bartelt on June 14, 1941, in Chicago. Following their marriage he was employed in the Chicago area by the Binks Manufacturing Corp., and the Campbell Soup Company. In 1942 he and his wife Arleen bought a farm in the Township of Kennan, which they farmed. . He also did custom work for the other farmers. In 1945 he built the Mix Rite Feed Mill in Kennan, which is still being operated by his two sons. He was always interested in the feed mill and grain business. In 1952 he and his partner Gust Raab built feed mills in Hagen and Comstock, Wis. In 1953 he plowed in the first State Plow Matches at, Manawa, Wis., better known today as Farm Technology Days. In 1974 he built the first fertizler plant in Price County, which is being operated by his two sons today. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Kennan where he served as the treasurer for many years, was the assessor for the Township of Kennan, served as the President of the Village of Kennan, and was a Price County Supervisor. In his free time he enjoyed playing cards, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by 3 sons: Gail (Margaret) Neenah, Wi, Dennis, and Greg (Peggy) all of Kennan, by 1 daughter: Pam (Ed) Foytik, Phillips by 8 grandchildren 7 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, by 2 brothers: William (Jean), Waupaca, Wi., and Elmer, Sioux Falls, S.D.  and by 1 sister: Marie, Chicago, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arleen on June 30, 2011, by 3 sisters: Minnie, Margaret, and Ruby, by 3 brothers: Howard, Carl, and Laverne by his parents John and Effie and a daughter-in-law Suzie Minks.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Kennan, with Pastor John Trewyn officiating. Interment will be in the Kennan Cemetery, Kennan. Friends may call after 6:00 P.M. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips., and at the church from 10:00 A.M. Saturday until the time of the service.

The Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips is in charge of the arrangements.