Robert “Bob” Ohl, 77

Robert “Bob” Ohl, 77, of Mason City, Iowa, entered his eternal rest on Monday, February 12, 2024.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Holy Family Church of Epiphany Parish, 722 N. Adams Ave, Mason City, with Father Neil Manternach presiding at the Mass. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation will be held at the church an hour prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

Robert Lee Ohl was born on April 30, 1946, to Lester and Maxine (Joyce) Ohl of Oelwein, lowa. Bob attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oelwein and graduated from Oelwein Community High School in 1964. He served with the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, during which time he served in the Vietnam War. Bob married Linda Bradley on January 6, 1968. Bob and Linda lived in several states but spent the majority of their time in Coulter, lowa. They brought one son and seven daughters into the world who were known in the CAL Community School District as Tony and “the Ohl girls.” Bob enjoyed working in sales, including S&H Green Stamps and Lawson Products Inc. His hobbies included camping, working in his garage, and being an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. His family has fond memories of him sitting on the front porch, enjoying nature. Bob was also known to be quite the jokester, bringing laughter to many. His frequent parting words to family and friends, “Don’t call me for bail money and I won’t call you” made them laugh. 

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick’s Church in Hampton, Iowa, where he enjoyed working Lenten fish fries. He celebrated 40 years of sobriety, regularly spoke at AA centers, and encouraged numerous people along their own paths of sobriety. His faith was very strong in the Lord. Although Bob suffered from dementia and other physical challenges he never stopped supporting others in any way that he could, even if it was just to offer a simple, yet sincere, “God bless you” to anyone who visited, called or helped him in any way. 

Bob was a proud Marine veteran and formed lifelong friendships during his military service. He was also very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, son Tony (Lena Ng) Ohl of Everett, WA, daughters Teresa McNiel of Mason City, Lisa (Shane) Philpott of Mason City, Maria Ohl of Mason City, Sarah (Troy) Hansen of Hampton, Karen (fiancé, Joe Sturges) Handeland of Rockwell, Andrea (Jon) Rodemeyer of Mason City, and Laura (Robert) Sebastiano of Smyrna, DE, as well as 23 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and numerous cousins and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Matt Handeland, and son-in-law Mike McNiel.