BERGMAN, Robert W. 1930-2016

BERGMAN, KNOCK

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/14/2017 at 07:54:10

Robert “Bob” William Bergman, age 85, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born on October 10, 1930, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Knock) Bergman on a farm near Stout. Bob graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1948.

Bob grew up on a farm north of Stout and spent 83 years living in the same house. Bob farmed the family acreage from 1949 to 2012. Following the premature death of his father in 1949, at the age of 18, Bob assumed responsibility of the family farm and subsequently helped raise his younger siblings. In doing so, Bob sacrificed many of his own opportunities in life by putting his family’s needs before his own. Putting the needs of others before his own would become a central theme to Bob’s life, and every subsequent generation benefited from his generosity. Even late in life, Bob never complained and he had a deep desire to help those around him.

He was a lifelong member of Reformed Church of Stout. Bob had many interests and hobbies including morning walks, volunteering and serving the community and church, softball, golfing, and fishing. However, throughout his life his primary enjoyment was found in spending time with family and friends. At the completion of each farming season, Bob would travel to California where he would continue to spend time with family. Bob enjoyed when the children would spend time at the farm, driving tractors, riding mini-bikes and playing games.

Bob passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at Iowa Senior Life Center in Des Moines, following a convalescence related of a stroke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Bergman.

Bob is survived by three brothers, Harold (Frances) Bergman of Urbandale, Iowa, Marlyn Bergman of Santa Cruz, California and Jim (Jan) Bergman of Norwalk, Iowa; two sisters, Mildred Bode–DeGroot of Fallbrook, California and Mary Ann (Larry) Jansen of Spirit Lake, Iowa; double cousin, Roger (Evelyn) Bergman of Dike, Iowa; and 13 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews.

--Redman-Schwartz Funeral Homes (www.redman-schwartz.com)