Robert Hutchins Boehmler Sr., (Bob)

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Robert Hutchins Boehmler Sr., (Bob) a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.  Bob was born on July 20, 1930, in Hampton, IA, and embarked on a life journey filled with love, hard work, and cherished memories. He peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on June 15, 2023, in Bentonville, AR.

Bob graduated from Hampton High School, attended Grinnell College, and then enlisted in the newly formed United States Air Force. He proudly served our country in the Korean War in communications for 4 years.  During those years he met and married the love of his life, Donna Marie Swanstrom of Iowa Falls, IA. 

After completing his military career, Bob tried his hand at farming on the family farm and decided to make another career change to retail which took his family from Hampton, IA to Winterset, IA then settling in Montgomery City, MO.

Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate Bob’s 5 and 10, The Clothes Hanger, and The Shoe Horn in Montgomery City, Missouri.  He took great pride in serving his community through his memberships at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Masonic Lodge #246 member since 1960, American Legion, Shriners, Kiwanis, Missouri Retailers Association, Elks Lodge, and others.

Retirement took them to Table Rock Lake at Kimberling City, MO and Pharr, Texas, where they divided their time.  These locations offered the perfect backdrop to enjoy boating, golf, bridge, square dancing, woodworking projects, ceramics, and spending time with family and friends. 

In 2017, Bob and Donna relocated to Primrose Retirement Community in Rogers, AR to be closer to family and have less day-to-day responsibilities.  They have made new friends and have had memorable celebrations such as their recent 72nd wedding anniversary.

Bob is survived by wife, Donna, his daughter Roxanne B. Snowden of Bentonville AR, his sons Robert H Boehmler Jr. (Jeanne) of Bentonville, AR, William M. Boehmler (Judy) of Dyersburg TN, and Brook S. Boehmler (Carol) of Mason City IA, ten grandchildren:  Cassandra Rapert, Chelsea Bassham, Dacia Johnson (Josh), Blake Boehmler (Mary), Leah Padilla (Brendon), Michael Boehmler (Emily), Chad Boehmler (Amanda), Aaron Boehmler (Amanda), and Jackie Liu (Ewing), and eighteen great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Proceeding him in death was his father and mother, James H. and Eloise Tebay Boehmler, brothers: James Boehmler Jr., Barton Boehmler, Richard Boehmler, granddaughter Nicole Basnett Yannizzi, and son-in-law Lonnie Snowden.  

As we bid farewell to Robert Hutchins Boehmler Sr., we take solace in knowing that his spirit will live on through the lives he touched. Bob’s love of God, country, and family, along with his integrity and strong work ethic, will be his legacy and continue to inspire and guide us.  We mourn his loss, but we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived.

Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday June 24, 2023, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, 100 S 28th St., Rogers, AR  72758. His Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 p.m. A private family interment will follow in Hampton, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to Wounded Warriors Project, Shriners Childrens Hospital St. Louis, MO, or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mercy Emergency Room and ICU,  Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, and the staff at Primrose Retirement Community.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com

 

Category:

Hampton Chronicle

9 Second Street NW
Hampton, IA 50441
Phone: 641-456-2585
Fax: 1-800-340-0805
Email: news@midamericapub.com

Mid-America Publishing

This newspaper is part of the Mid-America Publishing Family. Please visit www.midampublishing.com for more information.