Robert Lewis Bristle

Robert “Bob” Lewis Bristle was born in rural Boone County, Iowa, to Samuel and Ruby Bristle on February 7, 1928. He passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob grew up helping his mom and dad farm on 80 acres of good land with his younger sister, Janice. In 1945, Bob graduated at age 17, with his class of 24 students at Woodward High School. He enlisted in the Army in May during World War II and served two years in the Corps of Engineers, while also attending classes at South Dakota State. He joined the Army reserves and returned home.

In 1949, Bob met Kathryn “Katy” Joann Rose, and they were married in December at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He found a good job at John Deere in Ankeny, where he worked for 29 years. Bob took pride in helping produce quality products there. He and Katy raised four children: Ronda, Michael, Mark, and Linda. They purchased a brand-new home in Perry during this time. Bob and the family enjoyed fishing on Third Crow Wing Lake in Minnesota; vacations and fun times! He actively contributed to his church and was happy to see his children grow up to become successful adults. Sadly, Katy passed away in 1999, just three months before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Afterwards, Bob met and married Frances Stephens, and they shared eight years together before her passing in 2008.

Two years later, he met Delores “Dee” Weeks Porter while living in Windsor Heights. God granted them 12 busy years of marriage filled with family events, dear friends, card games and lunch at the community center and attending church together. Bob was an excellent bridge and pinochle player.

Bob was a member of Elks Lodge #407 for 59 years and a proud union member. He loved learning and remained an avid reader throughout most of his life.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents, his first wife Kathryn, second wife Frances, daughter Ronda Menke-Haas, and son Mark Bristle. Surviving Bob are his daughter, Linda (Don) Daniel of Maulden, SC; his son Michael (Cheryl) Bristle of Bixby, OK; his wife Delores of Urbandale; his sister Janice (Larry) Nelson of Woodward; daughter-in-law Joy Bristle of Cave Creek, AZ; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who all brought him special joy. He also leaves step-family, nieces, nephews, and close friends who will miss him.