Pass, Robert Eugene ?-2004

PASS, ERTEL, DAVIDSON, OPPERMAN, BRUMFIELD, BAKER

Posted By: Jill McCarville (email)
Date: 8/28/2013 at 16:03:51

Memorial services to be held for Robert Pass on Sunday, Jan. 23

Robert Eugene Pass (Bob), 73, formally of Waterloo, IA died at his home in Cresco, IA on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and the love of his life, wife and companion, Marilyn.

Bob was born in Chattanooga, TN to Hugh and Opia (Clonts) also of Chattanooga. He attended elementary schools in Chattanooga before moving to Waterloo,IA where he attended West High School.

In 1951 he married Marilyn Ertel in Charles City, IA and together they had six children. Bob was a United States Army Veteran having served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He was stationed in Korea as Sergeant and Trainmaster for 18 months. He then continued his railroad career after returning to the states working for the Illinois Central Railroad and the Burlington Northern Railroad, from where he retired.

Bob was an avid fisherman and had a passion for pheasant and duck hunting. He also enjoyed his favorite television shows, smoking on the desk, calling friends, and especially enjoyed and treasured visits from family and friends.

He was a proud member of the VFW, Nat'l Rifle Assn., Ducks Unlimited, American Legion, Sheet Metal Worker Union, and United Transportation Union.

On December 30, 2004 Bob received a full military burial at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. His lifelong wife and companion, Marilyn, as well as his children, grandchildren and dear friends accompanied him. He received a twenty-one-gun salute from the veterans of the Korean War, of which he would have proud. Marilyn was presented with a properly folded United States military flag and three shells from the twenty-one-gun salute. Each of Bob's children and grandchildren present received a shell, as well, in remembrance of him. Pallbearers included Bob's son Brad, sons-in-law John Opperman and Rich Baker and grandson Cody Opperman.

He will be sadly missed by Marilyn and their children: Cindy Davidson of Cresco, Brad Pass of Canton, MN, Bob Pass of Hokah, MN, Carolyn (Rich) of Hokah, MN, Cathy Opperman (John) of Hazelton, IA, Charlene (Mike Brumfield of Cresco; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his faithful and beloved dog "Jay".

One infant son, one infant daughter, one infant granddaughter and his parents precede Bob in death.

NOTICE
There will be a memorial service held for friends and acquaintances on Sunday, January 23, 2005 at Champlin Hall (below theatre) in Cresco, IA between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. A lunch will be served. Condolences can be sent to: THE FAMILY OF BOB PASS, BOX 133, CRESCO, IA 52136.

Bob, We wanted so much to keep you,
We watched you day by day.
Until at last with breaking hearts,
We saw you slip away.
You wore a crown of patience,
As you struggled on and on.
And the hands that rest forever,
Were the hands that were so strong.
God watched while you suffered,
And he knew you had your share.
He tenderly closed your weary eyes,
And took you in his care.

Times Plain Dealer January 19,2005 Page A3
Transcribed by Jill McCarville from the files of Janice Sowers