Dr. Robert G. La Follette

Dr. Robert G. La Follette, 72, of Winterset, died, Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 15, at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset, where family will be present during this time. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset. Memorials to the Madison County Foundation for Environmental Education (MCFEE) to be used towards development and construction of a Nature Center at Pammel Park. Online condolences may be left for the family at ochiltree.com. Robert George La Follette, the son of Robert and Beulah (Taylor) La Follette, was born February 5, 1945 in Des Moines. Robert spent his early years in Fort Dodge, Davenport and even lived in Germany. The La Follettes eventually settled in Des Moines around 1955. Robert graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964 and went on to attend Simpson College in Indianola for two years. He attended Iowa State University where he completed his undergraduate work and went on to receive his D.V.M. in 1970. His marriage to Lynn Davis took place on May 31, 1969 at the Grace Methodist Church in Des Moines. Robert served in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft Meyers, Virginia for two years following his graduation from Iowa State. His first employment as a veterinarian was in Dubuque followed by a short time in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. In 1975, Robert and Lynn founded a vet clinic in Fonda, Iowa. In 1984, he moved his family to Winterset where he worked with the Madison County Veterinary Clinic for two years before starting his 18 year career with the USDA as a federal meat inspector, retiring in 2004. When Robert moved to Winterset, he and Lynn purchased an acreage on the west edge of town, where they raised their family and felt blessed to be caretakers of this historic property. He and Lynn loved nature and animals, especially horses. At heart, he was a naturalist who enjoyed traveling, hiking, canoeing, and fishing, especially in Canada. He was also a craftsman, having made several canoes by hand and was a talented artist creating many drawings and sketches. He also enjoyed his black powder rifles; following sports, most specifically football and keeping up on politics. All this said, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved nothing more than time spent with family and keeping up with his grandkids. Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church where he served as a deacon and was a member of the IVMA (Iowa Veterinary Medical Association) for 40 plus years. He was also a member of the Madison County River Alliance and MCFEE, currently serving on its board of directors. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Ahren (Lynn) La Follette of Edgerton, MN, Carrie (Josh) Drum of Iowa City, Andrew (Deedrie) La Follette of Mt. Vernon and Abbie (Mark) Phillip of Anaconda, MT; sister, Marcia Edwards of Harlem, GA; brother, Rev. Mark (Judy) La Follette of Cottage Grove, MN; brother-in-law, Blair (Sherry) Davis of Centennial, CO; eight grandchildren, Adam (Hannah) La Follette, Austin (Naomi) La Follette, Kathryn and Julianne Drum, Colter and Elsa La Follette, and Henry and Joseph Phillip and one great granddaughter, Avaline La Follette. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Lynn who died on January 22, 2015, and a sister, Judith Erickson.