PIXLEY, Robert Dale “Bob” 1929-2007

PIXLEY , MCHENRY

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 5/16/2007 at 14:35:54

Funeral services for Robert (Bob) Dale Pixley, 78, of Northwood, Iowa, were held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood with the Reverend Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial was at the State Line Cemetery, Northwood. Robert passed away Sunday, May 13, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Care Center, Mason City after suffering a stroke.

Bob Pixley was born February 9, 1929 on the Pixley family farm North of Northwood, the youngest child of Glenn and Beva (Godfrey) Pixley. His great grandfather was Will Dixon, one of the first settlers in Worth County. Bob was baptized June 12, 1938 at the First Methodist Church, Northwood and joined the First Lutheran Church, Northwood in June of 1948.

Growing up as a farm boy, Bob spoke of swimming in the river behind his home, helping out with chores, and family picnics with his many cousins. Bob and his horse, Duchess, were active in the Worth County Saddle Club into his early adulthood. Bob graduated with the Northwood Class of 1947.

Bob was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart Verna Mae McHenry. They were married June 15, 1947, and, except for a few years, they were lifelong residents of Northwood. Together Bob & Verna Mae raised four children: Steven, Susan, Beverly, and Bruce. Bob had a kind generous spirit, quick to forgive and forget and will forever be the best hugger of our family. Every child was automatically drawn to him especially his grandchildren. We think he got so sweet from eating all those cookies.

Bob held various jobs in the community during his life working for area businesses where his gentle nature endeared him to many. Anyone who met him became his friend and he would show genuine interest in them and always remember their name.

In 1961 Bob & Verna Mae purchased Pixley's East End Market in Osage. They ran the friendliest grocery stand in town for several years returning to Northwood in 1968. Bob farmed and worked for Boyd Implement until 1971 when he took over the Pixley Furniture Repair business established by his father. Woodworking became his passion. Many handcrafted memories remain with each one of us. Some are displayed at the Worth Co Historical Society.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Verna Mae, in March 2006, by his father Glenn, and by his brother, John.

Bob was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his mother Beva Pixley, Northwood; by his children: Steven (Julie) Pixley, Harpers Ferry, Iowa; Susan (Larry) Balek, Mason City, Iowa; Bev Pixley, McKinleyville, California; Bruce (Grace) Pixley, Grafton, Iowa; by his grandchildren: Samuel Pixley, Portland, Oregon; Lezlea (Chris) Dahlke, Winona, Mnnesota; Katie Pixley, McKinleyville, CA. California; Jackson Pixley, McKinleyville; Andria Pixley, Northwood; Jay (Lauren) Balek, Waverly, Iowa; Kyle Pixley, Grafton, Iowa; Jeff Balek, Mason City; and Marcus Pixley, Harpers Ferry, Iowa; by his great-grandchildren: Caroline Dahlke; Ava Dahlke; Sawyer Pixley; and by “Baby Pixley” due in the fall; by sisters-in-law Lillian Pixley, and Virginia Thompson; by brother-in-law Arlynn (Ruth) McHenry, and by Aunt Margaret Godfrey, all of Northwood.

Arrangements were made by Conner Colonial Chapel -- www.colonialchapels.com