Robert John “Bob” Savel

SAVEL, KNUTSON, ELLIOTT, THERIAULT, HAUSER, MURPHY, PIRCH

Posted By: Ruth Maring- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/31/2007 at 16:45:36

The Clinton Herald
Published: January 31, 2007 01:41 pm

Robert John “Bob” Savel

Robert John “Bob” Savel, 67, died suddenly from complications of pneumonia on Friday, January 26, 2007, in Tempe, Arizona, where he enjoyed wintering with friends. According to Mr. Savel’s wishes, the body has been cremated. A memorial service to honor Bob’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, of which he was a member. A committal service is being planned at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at a later date and will be announced.

Bob was born on June 24, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Milo and Kathyrn Knutson Savel. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids. Bob was also a graduate of University of Iowa, where he earned a letter on the Wrestling Team. Bob served in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant and later became a Captain. In 1962, Bob married Barbara Elliott in Des Moines. To this union, two daughters were born. After 44 years, Bob and Barbara divorced in 2006. Bob was formerly employed with Mass Mutual from 1978, until he retired last year. Bob’s love for the Lord and strong Christian faith shined as he was a member of Bill Glass Prison Ministries and enjoyed reaching out to help others in need. Bob enjoyed following sports, reading, and oil painting. Recently he tried singing in a choir and cooking. He will be remembered for his competitive spirit, positivity, and helping others. Bob loved spending time with his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by two daughters, Deb (Tim) Theriault of Granger, In and Amy (Tom) Hauser of Johnston and their mother, Barbara Murphy of St. Paul, Mn; his mother, Kathyrn Savel of Cedar Rapids, Ia; one sister, Mary (Ray) Pirch of Camanche, Ia; one brother, Bill (Janice) Savel of Cedar Rapids; and four grandchildren who were the love of his life, Holden and Hannah Theriault and Ross and Sara Hauser. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Milo.

The family will greet friends for a Celebration of Bob’s Life from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at the home of Amy and Tom Hauser, located at 9201 N.W. Newgate Drive in Johnston.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial contributions be made to either: Meredith Drive Reformed Church, New Hope Fellowship Church in Sun City West, AZ or the Bill Glass Prison Ministries.

Robert John “Bob” Savel

Urbandale, Iowa

June 24, 1939 - January 26, 2007