Robert M. La Follette

Robert M. La Follette, 90, died, Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 1st at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset where a visitation with family present will be held one hour prior to the service (from 9:30 to 10:30). Burial will be at the I.O.O. F. Cemetery, in Indianola with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8142 and American Legion Post 184 both in Winterset. Memorials may be directed to the Wesley Acres Hospice. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.ochiltree.com. Robert Morrison La Follette was born March 24, 1921 in Clio, Iowa, the son of Other and Zora (Williby) La Follette. Robert graduated from Anamosa High School and later attended Simpson College graduating in 1943. His marriage to Beulah Taylor took place on March 25, 1944 in Des Moines. Robert served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Following his service in Korea, Robert decided to make the military his career working with the VA in Des Moines. He retired as a Colonel in1976. Robert was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines and the American Legion. He was also a Mason and was active in Scottish Rite and High Twelve. He also served as a Boy Scout leader and little league coach and was a member of the Y’s Men’s Club of the YMCA. Robert was a very social man who loved being with people so it was natural for him and Beulah to become involved with Friendship Force International; a nonprofit cultural exchange organization promoting friendship and goodwill through a program of international homestay exchanges. He also loved to golf and fish. He is survived by his 3 children, Dr. Robert G. (Lynn) La Follette of Winterset; Marcia Edwards of Harlem, GA; Rev. Mark (Judy) La Follette of Cottage Grove, MN; a son-in-law, Dr. Gene Erickson of Apex, NC; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Walter (Barbara) La Follette of Ft. Dodge and Chuck (Ruth) La Follette of Florida. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beulah; a daughter, Judith Erickson and a brother Jim (Barbara) La Follette.