Robert “Bob” Vonnahme, son of Lawrence and Ethelyn (Wolterman) Vonnahme, was born on March 29, 1943, in Carroll, Iowa. He grew up on a farm west of Mallard where he attended grade school at St. Mary’s Catholic School, then graduated from Mallard Community School in 1961.
On October 27, 1962, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Betty Anderson, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mallard, Iowa. The couple made their home in Mallard before moving to the farm in 1978, where they resided until moving to Pocahontas in the past year. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Geri and Dennis.
Following high school, Bob worked at the Mallard Produce then at M&JR Hakes in Laurens. He later began farming and raising livestock with his dad and brother, Dan. In 1969, Bob began his 55-year career with MoorMan’s Feed and ADM. In 1999, he also became a sales representative for Wyffels Hybrids. It was in these roles where Bob’s love for agriculture and people would shine. Bob was often found driving across Northwest Iowa in his red pickup and talking on his flip phone with a customer turned lifelong friend.
Above all else, Bob’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, leading him to serve the Lord, his family, and his friends well. He consistently put others first and was quick to donate his time and talents to those in need. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church until its closing in 2018, when he became a member of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas.
Bob had a special place in his heart for his wife and every single one of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. His family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed supporting them in their many different activities and pursuits, where they could always count on him to offer advice, encouragement, or a helping hand. He cherished time with family, telling jokes and sharing his life stories. They will all carry on his legacy through quick one-liners, service to others, and a heartfelt encouragement.
Bob passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the age of 81.
Left to carry on his memory are his wife of nearly 62 years, Betty; children: Geri (Pat) McCartan and Dennis (Kelly) Vonnahme; grandchildren: Erin, Matt, Jason, Joel, Kate, Jill, Michael, and Jenna; great-grandchildren: MaKaylee, Brantley, Kinzley, Dylan and Payton; in-laws: Darla Vonnahme; Shirley (Mike) Behrends; Rich Anderson; Alan (Colleen) Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Kenny and Dan, and his sister-in-law, Diane. He is loved and missed by many.
Funeral Mass was 10:30 AM, Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Iowa. Fr. Paul Nguyen officiated. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery in Pocahontas. Powers Funeral Home of Pocahontas, Iowa handled the arrangements.
