Robert James SHIPMAN

SHIPMAN, TINDALL, WIDEN, POE, GOURLEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/29/2015 at 17:22:58

May 6, 1931 --- December 25, 2015

A memorial service for Robert (Bob) Shipman, 84, of Corwith, will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, January 9, 2016 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Corwith with Reverend Barbara Chapman officiating. Military honors conducted at the church by the Elmer Wilson American Legion Post 229, Corwith. His family will greet friends on Friday, January 8, 2016, from 4 to 7 PM at the church in Corwith. There will be a prayer service beginning at 5 PM.

Robert (Bob) James Shipman was born May 6th, 1931 in Corwith, Iowa. He lived in Clear Lake during his adolescent years and moved back to Corwith in 8th Grade. He graduated from Corwith High School in 1950. Following his high school graduation, he worked for the Great Lakes Pipeline Inc. He was drafted into the military during the Korean War on September 11th, 1952. Natalie Tindall and Bob Shipman met in high school and were married on May 16th, 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in Luverne, Iowa. Bob completed his military service on September 10th, 1954 after serving at Fort Bliss, Texas; the Headquarters for the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and Guided Missile Center.

In high school Bob participated in basketball, Golden Gloves boxing, and in baseball as a catcher. His high school baseball team earned a 2nd place finish at the Fall Baseball State Championship in 1949. He began farming outside of Corwith after his military service was completed. Bob was active in the Corwith community as a Commander of the American Legion Elmer Wilson Post 229, and on the Corwith Elevator Board. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran church and served on the Church Council. Bob also served as a Trustee for Prairie Township of Kossuth County.

Bob umpired many baseball and softball games in the area. He was involved in his children's sports as a 4H basketball coach and referee as well, and attended many games and events as a spectator. Bob treasured his time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed fishing in Canada, and other trips over the years with his children and grandchildren. Other hobbies included bowling, baseball, hunting, and sharing a good story.

Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 25th, 2015. The family filled the room with loving support and prayers. His family took comfort that it was Christmas Day with God's promise of new life.

Natalie and Bob had five children. He is survived by his wife Natalie, and his children Mark (Eller) Shipman, and Tom Shipman of Corwith, Roberta (Dwight) Widen of Latimer, Iowa, and Rebecca (Tom) Poe of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and three sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy, his parents Wilbur (Web) and Jessie (Gourley) Shipman; eleven siblings, which included eight brothers and three sisters; Kenneth, Carroll (Sport), Gene (Peck), Deloris, Wilbur (Jack), Marvin, William (Bill), Richard, David, Virginia (Marlene), and Sandra.

Oakcrest Funeral Services, 207 Linn St., Corwith, Iowa
http://www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com/obituary/143881/Robert-Shipman/