Robert Ogden LEKWA

LEKWA, DILLON, SANSGAARD, OGDEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:03

Robert Ogden Lekwa
July 10, 1926 ---- April 17, 2020

Robert O. Lekwa was born July 10, 1926, in Dows, Iowa. He was the son of Dr. A. H. and Kathryn [Ogden] Lekwa. The family moved to Story City, Iowa, in 1931 before Bob entered kindergarten. He graduated from Story City High School in 1944. He was active in music, football, St. Petri Lutheran Church, and Boy Scouts during his school years. He earned the Eagle Scout award in 1943.

Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 after graduating from high school, and served until 1946. He married Maxine Dillon on June 13 of 1948. Bob moved his young family to Story City in 1950 when he was recalled into the Navy. He served through the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1952. He moved his growing family to his beloved acreage on the Skunk River south of Story City in 1953. He held several jobs through the years, including work as a foreman for Ames Incross in Roland, selling stocks and bonds, and as co-owner of Charlson Clothing in Story City with his son, John, before he retired. After retirement, Bob became one of the first “Green Coat” greeters for McFarland Clinic in Ames; a part-time position he held for nearly 21 years.

Bob was an active leader in church and community affairs. He served as Scout Master for Troop 101 for many years. He was a member of the Story City Men’s Chorus and was proud of his nearly lifetime of singing with the St. Petri Lutheran Church choir. He also served as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. He held various positions on the church council at St. Petri, and completed a two year Bible study course known as the Bethel Bible Series. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a 32nd degree mason in the local Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Sons of Norway Lodge.

Bob passed away early on Friday morning, April 17, at Bethany Life in Story City. He and Maxine were blessed with four children: Steven (Sue), John (Jan), Kathy, and David (Becky). They have ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jean, her husband, Ernie Sansgaard, and a grandson, Nathan. He is survived by his younger sister, Marilyn, also of Story City, and by Maxine, his wife of nearly 72 years.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be scheduled later when friends and family can safely be together again.