Robert J. Tri

Robert John "Hub" Tri, 94, of Zumbrota, MN died peacefully July 10th 2020, due to heart failure. He was born January 9th, 1926, to Alexander and Dorthea (Poncelet) Tri on the family farm near Bellechester, MN. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Bellechester where he was schooled by the nuns. At age 10, the family moved to a farm near Mazeppa, MN where he attended country school through the 8th grade. On December 4th, 1944 he was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater. When the war ended he served with the 11th Airborne Division occupation force in Japan until his honorable discharge in November 1947 after which he returned to the Mazeppa area. It was there that he met his future wife, LaVerna Hart, and they were united in marriage on August 14th, 1948. Together they farmed near Mazeppa before moving near Zumbrota where they farmed until retirement. Robert enjoyed competing in tractor pulls, collecting and restoring old tractors, traveling with his wife, visiting friends, attending farm shows and auctions. He was a faithful Red Power subscriber, and his IH tractors made the centerfold of their magazine. He was a life-long member of the Bellechester Knights of Columbus #2751 and Zumbrota VFW Post #5727, as well a member of the Mazeppa Legion Post #588 for 66 years which part of that time served as commander. He was the last World War II surviving veteran of the Mazeppa Legion Post #588. He was also a member of the Mazeppa Honor Guard, taking part in the first Honor flight to travel to Washington, D.C.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert (Peggy) of Zumbrota, Rick (Nancy) of Zumbrota, Dan (Charlotte) of Woodbury, Lori (Brian) of Zumbrota, Kevin of Pine Island; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Tri of Pine Island; one sister, Marce Erickson of Pine Island; brother-in-law, Martin (Rose) Hart of Lake City; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends; and his beloved cat, Bullseye. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerna in 2010; his parents; son, James; brothers, Wilfred and Oswald; sisters-in-law, Irene Tri, Geraldine Tri, Lorraine Tri, and Eleanor Blattner; and brothers-in-law Floyd Blattner and Adrian Erickson.

Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or Camp Courage Center are preferred.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa with Father John Sauer presiding. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Mahn Funeral Home, Larson Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Strict social distancing and masks are required at all events. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, seating in the church is limited. The Funeral Mass may also be viewed live at https://www.facebook.com/Saints-Peter-Paul-Parish-108203540913655/

---

Visitation

JUL 24. 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST)

Larson Chapel - Mahn Family Funeral Home
1475 Jefferson Drive
Zumbrota, MN 55992

Visitation

JUL 25. 10:00 AM (CST)

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
222 1st Ave. South
Mazeppa, MN 55956

Funeral Service

JUL 25. 11:00 AM (CST)

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
222 1st Ave. South
Mazeppa, MN 55956