DETHLEFSEN, Robert C. (1930 - 2021)

DETHLEFSEN

Posted By: Pamela Wagler
Date: 5/6/2021 at 14:32:21

Ida County Courier
Ida County, Iowa
May 5, 2021

Robert Charles Dethlefsen

IDA GROVE – Services for Robert C. “Bob” Dethlefsen, 90, of Ida Grove will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at United Methodist Church in Ida Grove. The Rev. Luann Benge will officiate.

Burial will be in the Ida Grove Cemetery at Ida Grove, with military rites by McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of Ida Grove American Legion.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., with a Masonic service by Alpine Lodge No. 471 A.F. & A. M. at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, at Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing are encouraged. Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove is in charge of arrangements.

He died April 30, 2021, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove.

Robert Charles “Bob” Dethlefsen, son of Charles W. and Augusta E. (Koster) Dethlefsen, was born Oct. 10, 1930, in Battle Creek. Bob was raised in Battle Creek and attended school in Battle Creek and Ida Grove.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII and served his country as an infantryman abroad, in Germany. Bob was honorably discharged in 1945 and relocated to work as a carpenter apprentice in Galveston, Texas.

There, Bob met and married the love of his life, Carol Jean Rathke, June 5, 1954. They were blessed with three children: Elizabeth, Carol and David.

For many years, Bob worked for Texas Gulf Sulphur as a carpenter, in addition to running his own business, Bob’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

After retiring from Texas Gulf Sulphur in Beaumont, Texas, he begun working for Lamar University as a carpenter, giving him a second retirement.

Bob would never turn anyone away who was in need of help. He was also a proud member of South Park Lodge #1320 Masonic Lodge in Beaumont, Texas.

In 1996, after fully retiring, Bob and Carol relocated to Ida Grove to be closer to family. He was a faithful member of United Methodist Church in Ida Grove and McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion.

He enjoyed being a master carpenter and working with his hands, accomplishing many projects. Bob also loved to tend to his gardens, both flower and vegetable.

This devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Carol Dethlefsen of Ida Grove; and his children: Elizabeth Dethlefsen and Carol (Alan) Alford, all of Baytown, Texas, and David (Regina) Dethlefsen of Conroe, Texas.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, extended family; and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Augusta Dethlefsen; and four sisters: Jenny Dethlefsen, Louis Warren, Alice Richardson and Bernice Van Laningham.