Robert (Bob) Hawley

Robert Clair Hawley was born on September 10, 1932, the second child of Ted and Alice Brockelsby Hawley. He passed away on April 2, 2011, at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of seventy eight.
He had a happy childhood on the family farm in Milford Township, north of Vail, Iowa. Bob attended Vail High School, and enjoyed playing basketball. He graduated in 1951. After high school Bob served in the Air Force for two years. He worked on airbases in Europe and played basketball for his Air Force squadron. He was discharged from the service in 1954 for family hardship when his fathers health was failing. When his father died in 1956, he took over the management of the family farm operation along with his brother Ted.
Bob married Norma Jean Neddermeyer on December 19, 1958. He was a devoted and loyal husband. He loved his wife very much, and they stood by each other for more than 52 years, through thick and thin. They made a home for themselves and their four children on the family farm, where they remained until 2001. His daughter Beth and her family currently live on the farm. Bob farmed all his life. Bobs nephews, including all of his pallbearers, often worked for him on the farm. He loved his land with a passion. Even near the end of his life, when he rarely walked anywhere, he would still walk his fields and pastures, planning improvements. Bob raised corn and soybeans, and often fed hogs, but his pride was raising Black Angus cattle. He was an excellent cattleman. Bob kept horses for working his cattle; he was especially attached to his stallion, Capital Ace, whom he had for more than 30 years. In 1983 Bob sold a large portion of his land and farm equipment to settle bank debts. He took his loss hard, but he persevered and taught much to his kids about dignity during hard times. Bob continued to farm the home place, but not on a large scale. For the next few years he worked selling farm equipment, and then heavy hauling for Crouse Cartage, which he enjoyed. In 1989 Bob returned to the cattle business on a larger scale. He and Norma bought part of "Direct Marketing Service"and were partners in the cattle buying business. They loved visiting the ranches out west, and Bob loved working the cattle himself. He had a good eye, and buyers trusted his judgment. Bob continued with Direct Marketing as he aged, and only stopped in 2001 when he and Norma took an apartment in Realife in Denison.
Once away from his land, Bob aged quickly. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 2003, and its effects progressed rapidly. He moved to Eventide in 2009. He was very fond of the nursing staff, who always treated him well and with dignity. He once told one of his kids that "things didnt work out like I planned," but he was himself to the end in spite of it all, full of spunk and zest, quick with a joke, and ever able to laugh at lifes absurdities. He was witty and smart; he was lucky, good at cards, pool, and golf. He loved steak, beer, popcorn, and scotch. He was kind and generous, especially to those who were down and out. He gave second chances, and third chances, and then some. He was a hero to his family. He was much loved, and will be sorely missed. His like will not be seen again.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two grandchildren, Nicole and Avery. Survivors include his wife, Norma; three daughters: Susan and her husband, Jay; Beth and her husband, Roger; and Jane; one son, Robert and his wife, Carole; eleven grandchildren: Matt, Carly, Alyssa, Neil, Blake, Kyle, Winter, Rye, Willem, Beau, and Rob; two sisters: Gladys and her husband, Dean, and Marie and her husband Gordon; one brother, Ted and his wife, Jeanne; other relatives and friends.