Robert Ernest Burgus (1924 - 2011)

BURGUS, BAILEY, SIMMERMAN, CALLANAN, SANDERS, PRAY

Posted By: Mary Hart, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/2/2011 at 08:00:35

Des Moines Rgister, Des Moines, Iowa
April 02, 2011

Robert E. "Bob" Burgus (1924 - 2011)
Urbandale

Robert Ernest "Bob" Burgus, 87, of Urbandale, Iowa died suddenly on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Des Moines. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Bob was born on February 10, 1924, on the family farm in Murray, Iowa to Ernest Leland Burgus and Nellie Glee Simmerman. After graduating from Murray High School, he worked the farm until joining the Navy in 1946. Bob served for two and a half years at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In 1949, Bob married the love of his life, Rose L. Bailey. They celebrated 62 years of marriage in January. They were members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale for 51 years and Bob was a member of the Holy Name Society.

Bob began his working career at Iowa Pipe and Tile, but found his true calling in the office of Loan Guaranty Division, Veteran's Administration where he worked for over 32 years. Bob also enjoyed working at Veteran's Auditorium and Drake Athletic Events for 25 years. He attended Drake University for a number of years and had a great love of learning.

This love for learning was instilled into Bob & Rose's five children, all who attended Catholic schools with high school being either Dowling or St. Joseph's Academy. Bob was a member of the Dowling Club.

Memories of Bob's kind and gentle life will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Rose; their children: Bob (Elaine) Burgus of Memphis, TN and their children, Joseph and Amy; Patty (Bob) Callanan of Raleigh, NC and their daughters, Amy and Sarah; Mike (Patty) Burgus of St. Charles and their sons, John Paul and Mikey; Rosemarie (Dave) Sanders of Glendora, CA and their children, Matthew and Kristina; and Greg (LouAnn) Burgus of Elkart, IA and their children, Elizabeth, Allison, and Zachary; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Burgus of Portland, OR and Alice Bailey and Frances Pray both of Des Moines; one brother-in-law, James Bailey of Alta, IA; and many nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Bob".

Bob was preceded in death by one grandson at infancy, baby Gregory; his parents, Ernest and Nellie Burgus; and siblings, Galen, Irma and Kenneth; and one sister-in-law, Mary Bailey.

The family will greet friends and family from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel in Des Moines, where a parish scripture service will begin at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to either: St. Joseph's Catholic School - 2107 E. 33rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50317 or the American Diabetes Association / Iowa Chapter - 6200 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322.