Robert M. Donhowe (1920-2008)

DONHOWE, HENRYSON, COOPER, PATTEE, BANNISTER, LITTLETON, WEHRLE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/4/2008 at 20:37:16

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, February 27, 2008.

Robert M. Donhowe, 88, died Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Wesley Acres. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at St. John's Lutheran Church at 6th & Keo, Des Moines, where he was a member. Burial was at Masonic Cemetery.

Bob was born on Feb. 6, 1920 in Story City, Iowa to A.T. and Marie (Henryson) Donhowe. He attended the University of Iowa for three years before entering the U.S. Navy, honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to complete his degree in Economics at the University of Iowa in 1947 and later earned a Masters Degree in Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Bob married Patricia A. Hyland on August 23, 1947.

He worked at several banks in the Des Moines area and was Director of three, including the Norwalk Cumming State Bank. He retired at age 72 after heading the family bank at Norwalk for 25 years.

Bob was a member of the Governing Council of the American Bankers Association and a St. John's Lutheran Church elder and Church Council member. He was a board member and treasurer for Lutheran Social Services, the Downtown Rotary Club, Polk County Republican Central Committee and Boy Scouts of Mid Iowa Council, which presented him the Silver Beaver award. He was elected President Emeritus of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. Bob enjoyed golf and he also loved playing piano and listening to jazz music.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia of Des Moines; daughter, Sara M. Cooper of West Des Moines; son, John (Carmiña) Donhowe of Bolivia, South America; two granddaughters, Nancy (Steve) Pattee and Allison (Kevin) Bannister; four grandsons, Sam, Joey, Peter and Paul Donhowe; great-grandson, Marcus Littleton Jr.; and two great-granddaughters, Kate and Molly Bannister.

He was preceded in death, by his parents, sister, Helen Donhowe Wehrle and son-in-law, Don Cooper Jr.

Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel 2121 Grand Ave., Des Moines.

Memorial Contributions are being directed to the Boy Scouts of Mid Iowa Council or the Des Moines Art Center.