Bob Stoltze

Robert Carl Stoltze, Jr. was born on August 19, 1949, the son of Robert and Elaine (Neddermeyer) Stoltze in Sioux City, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, where he remained a devoted lifelong member.

Bob received his education from Charter Oak public schools and graduated in 1967. After high school, he began farming with his father near Ute, Iowa. He attended Automation Computer Programming School in Des Moines. Following college graduation, on March 14, 1969, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, and advanced training at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. He then served two years in New Ulm, Germany, as a Computer Specialist, repairing Pershing Missiles. During his military service, Bob earned the Expert Badge for the M-14 Rifle, M-16 Rifle, and M-60 Machine Gun. He was honorably discharged in October 1971 as a Specialist 4th Class.

After returning home, Bob resumed farming with his father. On February 16, 1974, he married Annette Eyer in Iowa City, Iowa. They built a life together near Charter Oak, raising three sons. Bob worked tirelessly on the farm, cultivating his own land and raising hogs and cattle. He was a trailblazer in Crawford County, being one of the first to build Murphy Brown Hog Confinements and adopt no-till farming practices. Bob took great pride in passing on his farming knowledge and responsibilities to his sons.

A man of deep faith, Bob was an active and dedicated member of St. John Lutheran Church. He served as head elder, chairman of the church council, and various other roles in the church. He co-founded a men’s Bible study group, which became a cherished part of his spiritual journey. Known for his kindness and generosity, Bob carried crosses in his pocket to share with others, welcoming everyone to the church.

Bob was also a member of the American Legion Homer Hall Post 66 in Charter Oak for over 46 years, serving as Chaplain for 13 of those years. In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling and was passionate about fishing. Some of his most memorable fishing trips were adventures in Alaska and Branson, Missouri, with his brothers and friends.

Bob loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling, particularly cruises and international trips, and was an avid reader of books and newspapers. Watching movies was another favorite pastime. As a dedicated father and grandfather, he attended countless family events, particularly baseball games for his older grandsons. He was overjoyed to welcome two additional grandchildren later in life and took great pride in instilling his faith in all his grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy of love and belief would carry on.

Bob passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 75 years, five months and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: William, Daniel and Keith Stoltze.

Bob is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Annette Stoltze of Charter Oak; three sons: Jamie (Jenna) Stoltze of Sergeant Bluff, Jason Stoltze of Charter Oak and Matt (Kristin) Stoltze of Mapleton; grandchildren: Tyler (Amber) Stoltze, Trevor Stoltze, Carter Stoltze, Emma Stoltze; special family members: Jlee (Candi) Gress, Holly (Cory) Corcoran and their son, Chris and Haley (John) Aguirre; siblings: Bruce (Celeste) Stoltze, Susan (Randy) Kult, Nancy (Terry) Leadbeter; sister-in-law, Lois Stoltze; aunt, Eva Wickert; many nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends. 

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., all at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak with Military Honors. Interment will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery near Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation.