TUMILSON, Robert 1934-2014

TUMILSON, FOWLER, HAMMITT

Posted By: COUNTY COORDINATOR
Date: 2/9/2014 at 14:42:59

Robert Tumilson

Birth: March 31, 1934
Death: February 7, 2014

Service: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford.

Robert Tumilson, 79, of Rockford, died Friday, February 7, 2014 at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services for Robert Tumilson will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. Pastor Robert Scheurer will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Rockford.

Friends may call at the Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E Main Avenue, in Rockford from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday, February 10, 2014 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Robert was born March 31, 1934 in Rockford, Iowa, the seventh child of fourteen to Thomas and Nellie (Fowler) Tumilson. Bob attended schools in Rockford graduating from Rockford Senior High in 1951. Part of Bob's stories always included walking miles to and from school every day. After graduation he worked for the Rockford Brick & Tile for several years. Bob met the love of his life, Sheralea Hammitt, in Garner, Iowa, at a roller skating rink, getting married October 14, 1955. They made their home in Rockford, Iowa for the next 58 years.

Bob served in the United States Army from 1956 - 1958 and the Army Reserves until 1962, being stationed stateside and in Germany. After returning in 1958, Bob resumed working at the Rockford Brick & Tile. He also was a carpenter, completing many projects including houses and remodeling for family as well as numerous wood working items that will be treasured forever. Bob then became a proud 18 wheel truck driver for Ruan Transport for over 30 years with a perfect driving record until retiring in 1996. Another job that Bob loved was being the Mayor of Rockford, a position he held many times.

To the union of Bob and Sheral were born four children, three sons and one daughter. Family was so very important to Bob experiencing a lot of joy watching his children and grandchildren in their activities. His children always knew he was present as his dominant voice echoed through the spectators. The grandchildren will always remember the numerous card games, camping and days golfing. Bob and Sheral spent countless nights playing cards with so very many, many friends and relatives. They also took many trips across the United States visiting relatives and sight-seeing. A highlighted trip for Bob was the one they took to Ireland in April 2001, the country his father left at an early age. They traveled Ireland for three weeks meeting Tumilson relatives along the way. Bob was very proud of his Irish heritage!

To say Bob had a big heart doesn't even capture it. He has helped and touched so many lives. Those that knew him could tell you he was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend you could have. Bob passed away after a long battle following surgery last November. Living family members include his wife of 58 years, Sheralea, three sons Robert Jr. (Kalena), Greg, Kevin (Lisa) and one daughter Shelley (Micki) Wyborny; six grandchildren Sean & Jordan Tumilson, Tyler Tumilson & Levi Larue and Steven (Mikayla) & Jenny Wyborny; brothers George (Kathy), Don (Mary), sisters Laura (Dick) Paul, Cora (Jim) Schroeder, Ann (Melvin) Reiter, Nell Tumilson, Lucky Kauffman, Mary Tumilson; brothers & sisters-in-law Ron (Dot) Hammitt, Pat (Bill) Haan, Dan (Dar) Hammitt, Betty Litzel, Rick (Kelley) Hammitt and Linda (Tom) Olson as well as many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents Thomas & Nellie, brothers Richard "Sam", Thomas, David, sisters Betty Schindele, Thomasena Gruver, parents-in-law Lyle & Edna Hammitt, brothers-in-law Bert Gruver, Dale Schindele, Cecil Hammitt, Louie Litzel and nephews Melvin Reiter Jr, Richard Tumilson Jr and Jon T Tumilson.

Source: Hauser Funeral Home website, 9 FEB 2014
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Photo of Robert Tumilson from Globe Gazette.

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