Robert G. Kilstrom 1944 - 2017

KILSTROM, CLAASSEN, LUCAS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/12/2017 at 07:31:00

Sioux City Journal
10 January 2017

SIOUX CITY | Robert G. Kilstrom, 72, of Bettendorf, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Trinity in Bettendorf, surrounded by his family.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady St., Davenport, Iowa. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date in Memorial Garden at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Visitation with family present will be noon until service time Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport. Condolences may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born Jan. 17, 1944, in Sioux City, the son of J. Clifford and Matilda F. (Claassen) Kilstrom. He attended Iowa State, where he played basketball. He later transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City, where he continued his collegiate basketball career. Bob graduated in 1967 with a degree in business.

While at Morningside College he met Joy Lucas, a fellow student. They married Aug. 27, 1967, at First Congregation Church in Sheldon, Iowa.

After graduation, Bob began a career with Younkers Department Stores -- a career that took him and his young family to Des Moines, Iowa, and South Dakota before settling in the Quad Cities in 1983. He retired in 1988 as regional manager.

After his retirement, he began to look for a new opportunity. He and Joy opened a Subway restaurant franchise in 1989 on West Locust Street. Bob and Joy owned and operated several locations around the Quad Cities. Bob also served as a field consultant for all Subway restaurants in the region. In March 2014, the Kilstroms were proud to turn over the everyday operations to their sons, Brian and Kevin.

Bob enjoyed walking and playing golf. However, his pride and joy were his grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to take in one of their activities or spend time with them. Bob loved being their "Papa" more than anything.

Survivors include his loving wife, Joy; his sons, Brian (Carri) Kilstrom and Kevin (Shannon) Kilstrom, all of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Evan, Aidan, Gabe, Ella, Jack and Anna Kilstrom; a brother, Jon Kilstrom of St. Louis, Mo.; brother-in-law, Bill Hanson of Sioux City; nieces, Ann (John) Schneider of Brookings, S.D., and Abby (David) Welte of Sioux City; and a nephew, David Kilstrom of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister-in-law, Michelle Hanson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Preschool Scholarship.