Robert William Hawthorn, 1928 - 2022
HAWTHORN, KELLER
Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/15/2022 at 13:46:42
Robert William Hawthorn, 93, of Castana, Iowa passed away suddenly January 8, 2022 at Sunrise Retirement home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury funeral service of Sioux City.
He was born in Castana, IA on July 7, 1928, the son of Nell Keller Hawthorn and Fred William Hawthorn. Bob attended Castana public school and graduated from high school in 1945. He then earned a degree in agriculture from Iowa State University. After World War II ended, he served the U.S. army in Germany. When he came home from the army, he returned to Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He became a pilot and loved to fly his own planes. For several years after earning his engineering degree, he was an engineer at aircraft companies in Wichita, Denver, and California.
His love for farming and Iowa led him to return home and farm with his dad on their heritage farm near Castana. He never married, but he had a passion to share farm values and work ethics with young boys. After his parents died, about 38 young boys, who loved the outdoors, some who didn't have a father, came to live with Bob or to stay for an extended visit. He taught them about farming, but he also led them to have self confidence and develop a "can do" attitude. During this time, he worked with several youth organizations and became a foster parent.
He joined a program that placed international trainees to work and live with him for a growing season to learn how Iowan’s farm. He welcomed trainees from 16 countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.. He became a lifetime friend with a trainee from Switzerland, who Bob inspired to become a captain with Edelweiss airlines in his home country. Jan developed passions for both farming and flying. He has returned to the farm often and, for 33 years has come from Switzerland to harvest with Bob.
He is survived by his sister, Louise McGrail of Sioux City; nephews: Dan (Renita) McGrail, Tom (Kris) McGrail, and Tim (Deb) McGrail; 7 grand nieces and nephews, and 18 great grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Fred Hawthorn and brother-in-law, Harlan McGrail.
The family appreciates the dedicated care that Bob received from Nathan, Eric, Jay, and Sunrise.Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse with Franklin Graham.
Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen