Anna Mae Ruth Vadnais and Robert James Campbell (Part 3 of 3)

By the 1950 U.S. census, Anna Mae and Bob are both gainfully employed with jobs they would hold for many years. 

The census enumerates Anna Mae living with her parents and brother Gordy.  Her occupation is shown as being a typist at a bank (First State Bank) and that she worked 38 hours the previous week.8 

1950 U.S. census enumerating Adlore, Ellen, Gordon and Anna Mae Vadnais at 411 Bald Eagle Avenue (now 4787) in White Bear Lake
Notice the number of work hours recorded in the previous week for Adlore and Gordy: 70 hours and 65 hours respectively.

Anna Mae eventually became head teller at First State Bank and remained an employee at the bank for well over 20 years.

June 3, 1961 open house at the newly built First State Bank, Clark Avenue, White Bear Lake – head teller Anna Mae is second from the left (Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)

The 1950 U.S. census enumerates Bob living with his mother Anna and 3 younger sisters: Elaine, Ellen and Yvonne.  Bob’s occupation is shown as being an assembly line worker at a refrigerator company (Whirlpool Corporation) and that he worked 40 hours the previous week.9

1950 U.S. census enumerating Anna, Robert (Bob), Elaine, Ellen and Yvonne Campbell at 1215 (now 1999) Birch Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake

I couldn’t find any Korean War (1950-1953) records for Bob, but I do know that he served in the Army during the conflict.10  Not all that many years later Bob became the quarter master and then the commander at VFW Post 1782 in White Bear Lake.

(Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)

From 1957 through 1959 Anna Mae participated in the Lions Club Annual Show, contributing her talents in a few different ways.  In 1957, for the “Make Mine Manhattan” show, she worked behind the scenes as a make-up artist. In 1958, for the “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch” show, she exercised her voice as a part of the singing chorus and she again was a part of the singing chorus in 1959 for the “Aloha There!” show.

(Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)
(Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)
(Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)
1958 – Anna Mae and her brother Gordy

Anna Mae traveled to London in 1960.11  I doubt she was alone and I’m unsure about other trips she may have taken.

Anna May R. Vadnais record of her arrival in New York City from London onboard T.W.A. flight #703 on May 29, 1960

Anna Mae and Bob seemed well suited for one another.  The couple shared many common values including a strong work ethic, religious beliefs and a dedication to both family and community.

Bob and Anna Mae were united in marriage on April 28, 1962 at St Mary of the Lake Church, White Bear Lake; both were 32 years old.12

Bob and Anna Mae in the reception line at church
It appears that someone is pouring a box of rice over Bob and Anna Mae as they leave the church.
Anna Mae’s father, Adlore, is in the foreground.  He had just witnessed the marriage of the last of his children.
Anna Mae running through the rain of rice coming down on her
1962 – Como Conservatory
Shown left to right: Gordy Vadnais (Anna Mae’s brother), Pat LaBore, Anna Mae and Bob Campbell, Louis Campbell (Bob’s brother) and unidentified.

The couple was blessed with 3 children: Bruce Allan born May 22, 1964, Lisa Ann born June 12, 1966 and Ellen Lucy born September 8, 1972.13, 14, 15

Circa 1975 – The Campbell family
Bruce and Lisa standing behind Bob and Anna Mae, Ellen is seated with Bob.

Bob and Anna Mae stayed involved in the community while they raised their family.  November 7, 1966 Bob joined the White Bear Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he remained a member of the department for over 20 years, retiring on January 1, 1987.  Both Bob and Anna Mae were involved at VFW Post 1782 where Anna Mae was Auxiliary President from 1966 to 1967.  Bob also served as the Boy Scout leader for Troop 102 for 8 years.

Bob Campbell (right) celebrating 20 years with the White Bear Lake Volunteer Fire Department
1966-1967 Auxiliary President Anna Mae Campbell
(Courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society)
1992 – Bob and Anna Mae

In 1999 Bob and Anna Mae were chosen for the St. Mary’s Alumni Award presented to outstanding alumni who have made major contributions to the school, the parish and the community, and in 2008, Bob was the recipient of the Dougherty Award.16, 17

On April 28, 2012 Bob and Anna Mae became the ninth couple in the family (Adlore and Ellen, George and Fran, Charles and Florence, Dick and Martha, Mona and Guy, Leona and Tom, Jack and Bev, Marguerite and Bob) to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Mass and a reception were held for the couple.

Bob and Anna Mae during Mass at St. Mary’s
2012 commemoration of Bob and Anna Mae

Preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings, Anna Mae passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2013.  She was 83 years 2 months and 19 days old.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary of the Lake Church.

Anna Mae (Vadnais) Campbell obituary
Anna Mae’s memorial card

Bob passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 85 years 6 months and 29 days old.  Anna Mae and Bob were laid to rest at St. John Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Hugo, Washington County, Minnesota.18

Grave marker for Anna Mae and Bob

Thanks for visiting, come back soon,
Cynthia

© 2026 Copyright by Cynthia Vadnais, All Rights Reserved


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