BILLERBECK, Robert 1931-2012

BILLERBECK, MATHERN, KROEGER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 8/26/2012 at 07:51:21

Robert D. Billerbeck, 81, of Reinbeck, Iowa, died Friday, August 10, 2012, at his farm. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 14, 2012, at United Church of Christ in Reinbeck, Iowa, with Rev. Joel Love officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be Monday, August 13, 2012, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at French Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Robert (or Bob) was born in Grundy County on February 12, 1931, to Lyle and Dorothy (Mathern) Billerbeck. He spent his childhood on a farm near Reinbeck and graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1949. After graduation, he attended one semester at the University of Iowa before returning back to Reinbeck to begin a career in farming. In 1950, he married Shirley Kroeger and the two remained in Grundy County to farm and raise their family.

Robert loved life on the farm where he worked hard raising various breeds of livestock throughout the years and growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa in the fields. He was a member on various boards in the community throughout his life. Bob loved sports and participated in basketball, football, and track and field in high school. He also enjoyed being a spectator to his children and grandchildren as they participated in sporting activities. Bob became an avid golfer in adulthood and looked forward to playing in various tournaments and events at Oak Leaf Country Club. If farming duties permitted, Bob could often be found in town playing cards and enjoying time with his buddies. More recently, he liked traveling to the casino for breakfast and spending a little time playing the slots.

Robert is survived by his children: Jerry (Raylene), John (Becky), Bobbi (Mitch) Salsbury, Tamara (Joseph Meyers), and Tom (Erika). He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren: Aaron (Shannah), Kassie, Andi, Silas, and Lauren and Blake Salsbury, as well as one great-grandchild, James. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley, brother Richard, sister Shirly Haren, infant daughters Candace and Sandra, and a son, Rick.

--Abels Funeral Homes