Robert L. Viking, 87 of Annandale died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Zion United Methodist Church, South Haven. Rev. Heather E. Klason will officiate. Friends may call from 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Zion United Methodist Church or the Annandale Care Center. Robert is survived by his wife, Virginia; son and his wife, Robert E. and Nancy Viking of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Muriel Strasburg of Anaheim, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. Robert Lee Viking was born May 20, 1920, in Cloquet to Victor and Mabel (Lee) Viking. He married Virginia L. Ebinger on Feb. 10, 1943, in Brainerd. Robert served his country as a U.S. Navy Aviator in World War II and Korea. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University and went on to teach Industrial Arts in Murdock from 1954-1957 and at Annandale High School from 1957-1984. Robert received the Annandale Teacher of the Year award in the early 1980s. He was a member at Zion United Methodist Church since 1957, where he belonged to the United Methodist Men and served as a youth counselor and adult Sunday School teacher. Robert also volunteered at the Annandale Senior Dining Center. Robert enjoyed flying, was very giving and always set a high standard for caring for others. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Eric Johnson Viking; and brother, Alexander Brittany.
