Baldus, Robert Lawrence - 1938-2021

ALAMI, BALDUS, BARKER, BROOKS, FERRARO, GREER, JACOBUS, RYAN, TURBETT

Posted By: Polk Volunteer
Date: 2/1/2021 at 10:37:08

Bob Baldus
Windsor Heights - Robert "Bob" Lawrence Baldus, 82, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.
Bob was born August 12, 1938 in Toledo, Iowa, the son of Larry and Marie (Turbett) Baldus. He graduated from Ames High School and received his Bachelors of Science degree from Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. On August 18, 1962 he married Jane Ryan in Lake City, Iowa.
Bob taught technical education at Amos Hiatt Jr. High in Des Moines for 38 years. He enjoyed his teaching days and reconnecting with hundreds of past students through Facebook. Bob was on the Windsor Heights volunteer fire department in the late 1970's where he served as interim Fire Chief for a few months.

Bob's hobbies kept him busy, especially in retirement. He has been a life-long member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, building countless model airplanes over the years, and competing at the national level. Bob was an athlete in high school and started running marathons in his 40's, finishing 25. He built street rods and spent many sunny days at car shows. He enjoyed NASCAR and had fond memories of traveling to races with Jane. He was a prolific watercolor painter with barns and flowers being his favorite subjects.
He is survived by his four children: daughter, Becky (Herb) Jacobus of Overland Park, KS and their daughters, Sara Jacobus and Emily (Matt) Almai; son, Rob (Bonnie) Baldus of Indianola and their children, Elizabeth (Andrew) Ferraro, Alec Baldus (Kathryn Greer), Isaac and Eric Baldus; son, Pat (Dena) Baldus of West Des Moines and their children, Rebecca, Clark, Jennifer, and Jason Baldus; daughter, Kimberly (Kevin) Barker of Nevada and their children, Jade (Clay) Dean and Trinity Barker; many great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Kay) Baldus of Scottsdale, AZ; sister, Mary Kay Brooks of Ankeny; many nieces and nephews; and a village of friends whom he loved very much. Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife, Jane; parents; and brother-in-law, Bill Brooks.
Memorials may be made to the American Brittany Rescue or the Des Moines Art Center.
Source: Des Moines Register; January 31, 2021