Robert Prescott

Robert K. Prescott, St. Simons Island, GA, formerly of Duluth passed away on December 1st, 2013. For many years until the time of his death, he maintained a summer residence on the Pike Chain of Lakes in Iron River, Wisconsin.

Robert was born on November 13th, 1919, to Anna and George Prescott of Duluth.

In March, 1942, Robert entered the U.S. Army. He spent two years in the European Theatre during World War II where he served as a Field Artillery Captain. At the completion of the war he was stationed in Vienna, Austria as the Provost Martial and returned to Duluth in May of 1946. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and various Theatre ribbons for traveling at night under blackout conditions and through areas infested with enemy troops. He displayed outstanding initiative and intelligence in relaying crucial information to his division regardless of hazards involved.

For many years, he was associated in business with Royal D. Alworth, Sr., and Royal D. Alworth, Jr. He served as Chairman, President, and Director of Oneida Realty Company, Alworth Land & Improvement Company, Alworth Properties, Inc. and Northern Minnesota Minerals. He was a Trustee of the various Alworth Family Trusts.

In addition, he served as Executive Vice President and Director Of Como Gas Sales Company; Director of the (now) U.S. Bank and Director of Republic Bank; President and Director of Greysolon Mall Corporation, developer and owner of the Radisson Duluth Hotel; President and Director of Duluth Development Company; developer of the Gateway Urban Renewal Area, which area now also includes The Radisson Hotel, the KDAL Building, the Ordean Building, the Duluth Library, expansion of the Duluth News Tribune Building and the Incline Station. He and his friend Roger Bowman negotiated options and purchase contracts for the properties that became the site of the current Holiday Inn. He was a Director of the Iron Ore Lessors Association, and Managing Agent of Mesabi Mineral Association.

He was active in community and civic affairs as a member and President of the Duluth City Council; the first President of the Duluth Arena Auditorium Board during its land acquisition and construction phase; President and Director of St. Luke's Hospital; and a Trustee of the Duluth Area YMCA and the Marshall School. He also served as President of Duluth Steam Cooperative and as a Director of the Building Owners and Managers Association.

He traveled the world, but his favorite place was his beloved cabin on Hart Lake. Bob loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren and passed on his love of swimming and waterskiing to each of them. He was an avid downhill skier and spent many years on the slopes with friends and family skiing into his late 70's. Each Fall he enjoyed heading to the duck camp, where he and his good friends gathered.

Robert is survived by his wife of seventy years, Ann E. Prescott, and daughters Carole (Robert) Stoffregen of Moraga, CA; Diane (Thomas) Moyer of Minneapolis, MN; and Michelle (Tim) Prescott-Guderian of Cambridge, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren Brenna Harrower, Michael, Peter and Thomas Moyer; and Nicholas, Nathan, Matthew, Morgan and Max Stoffregen; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Bob's friends and associates for their friendship and support over the many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Duluth Area YMCA, Boy Scouts of America Voyageurs Area Council, or an organization of the donor's choice.

The family would like to extend an invitation to all friends and business associates to join them at the Kitchi Gammi Club on Monday, December 9th from 4-6 p.m. A private graveside service and internment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Duluth Honor Guard. Arrangements made by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 727-3555.