Neighbors, Robert E. 1927-2008

NEIGHBORS, WRIGHT, HILL, STOEHRON, LANDON, MASEK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/2/2011 at 11:50:52

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; July 3, 2008

ROBERT E. NEIGHBORS

Robert E. Neighbors, 81, of Emmetsburg, formerly of Grinnell, died Friday, June 27, 2008, at Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg.

A funeral service was held Monday, June 30, in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg with the Rev. Dennis Angland officiating. Inurnment followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg.

He was born May 21, 1927, in Livonia, Mo., the son of Hobart and Gladys Wright Neighbors. His family moved to Grinnell where he attended school, graduating from Grinnell High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He graduated from Grinnell College, then received the master's degree from Drake University in Des Moines. He was united in marriage with Madelon Hill in Grinnell in 1954. He taught history in several high schools including Montezuma, Bettendorf and Muscatine, also coaching baseball and basketball.

After receiving his administrative endorsement, he served as high school principal in Bellevue. His wife died in February, 1964. He was married to Lois Stoehron July 2, 1966, in Potsdam, Minn. They moved to Emmetsburg where he served as a high school guidance counselor, later joining the staff at Emmetsburg Junior College which later consolidated with Estherville become Iowa Lakes Community College of which he served as director of financial aid and admissions for over 30 years.

He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and instrumental in developing a Kiwanis organization there. He was a member of the city's planning and zoning commission and a member of the board for Kathleen's Residential Care Facility. He enjoyed sports including baseball, basketball and golf, and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his wife Lois of Emmetsburg; his daughters and son, Dr. Linda Landon of Jefferson City, Mo., Andrea Masek of Bellevue, Neb. and Steven Neighbors of Boston, Mass.; five grandchildren and one brother Terry Neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Madelon and one brother, Howard Neighbors.