Robert McIntire (1936-2019)

MCINTIRE, THOMSEN, GOODBURN, WISNIESKI, REILLY

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Rasmusson-Bacon Funeral Home & Crematory obituary, Nevada and Maxwell, Story County, Iowa:

Robert McIntire
February 22, 1936 - May 30, 2019

Bob died May 30, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

He was preceded in death by his wife Glenda (Thomsen) McIntire, parents Clair and Mildred (Goodburn) McIntire, 5 brothers, 4 sisters and brother-in-law Tom Monk.

He is survived by his daughter Jonna (McIntire) Wisnieski and son-in-law Jeff of Norwalk, Iowa; son Michael McIntire and daughter-in-law Mary (Reilly) of Ames, Iowa; and six grandchildren: Allie, Morgan, Maxwell, Adam, Jenna and Lauren.

Bob was born on February 22, 1936 and raised on a farm near Marcus, in rural northeast Iowa. He was the youngest of 10 children to Clair and Mildred. In addition to his daily farm chores, Bob found time to participate in school football, basketball and music programs. Growing up there also was always music in the house. He remembered his father offering the musical talent of the kids gathered around the piano to entertain guests at the farmhouse.

After graduating from Marcus High School, Bob had no definite plans for his future. It was the kindness of his Methodist Church minister who, seeing Bob’s potential, took it upon himself to enroll Bob at Morningside College where he received a degree in Music Education. After several short teaching jobs, and an even shorter stint as a managerial trainee at an insurance company in Des Moines, Bob began a vocal music teaching job at Mapleton, IA, where he met the love of his life. Bob and Glenda were married on June 28th, 1964 in Orchard, NE and started their family four years later with the birth of their daughter Jonna (Battle Creek, 1968) followed by a son Michael (Belmond, 1971). After completing his Master’s degree from Central Michigan University, Bob started working as an elementary school principal in Battle Creek, IA, and Belmond, IA before coming to Nevada, IA where he was the K-4 elementary principal for 23 years. After his retirement in 1999, Bob and Glenda enjoyed biking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Bob also enjoyed mentoring Iowa State University student teachers, volunteering with stroke victims at the Younker Rehabilitation Center, singing with his barber shop chorus, making walking sticks and, under the constant harassment of his wife, watching nature shows on PBS.

Bob was a man of unwavering integrity, morality and principle. He was tirelessly dedicated to his students and faculty. He exemplified these core values daily and always expected more of himself than he did of others. He earned the trust of his friends because they knew that they would always be treated with respect and consideration. That was who Bob was to all who knew him.

Those close to Bob knew there was much more complexity to his character. He had a sensitive and sentimental side that fewer people saw. He was passionate about learning his family history, and enjoyed reading books, playing marbles and a good tea party with his grandkids. But Bob’s true depth was fully revealed when Glenda developed Alzheimer’s disease at an early age. He dedicated the rest of his life to her care. When Glenda went to live in a memory care center he was with her every day. Without fail. He talked to her when she was unable to speak. He fed her when she could no longer feed herself. He walked with her when she was unable to stand on her own. Watching the two of them together was witnessing true love and devotion in their purest forms. His kindness, gentleness, affection, patience and devotion to his dying wife was inspirational.

They say that adversity does not build character, it reveals it. What Glenda’s illness revealed was a selfless man with a heart of solid gold who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

We hope to see you at the First United Methodist Church in Nevada at 6:30 PM on June 26th, when we will celebrate Bob’s life.

Those wishing you make a memorial contribution in Bob's name may do so to the Alzheimer's Association.

http://www.rasmussonfh.com/
 

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