Robert "Bob" William Roethler

Robert “Bob” William Roethler age 83 formerly of Elma, IA, died Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Waverly Health Center.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville with Telesphore Dusabe officiating.

Inurnment will be held at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City with Andrew Roethler and Lincoln Roethler serving as Urnbearers. Emily, Aubrey, and Morgan will be serving as Honorary Urnbearers.

Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service, Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the church in Riceville.

Born on April 9, 1941, to Leo and Mae (Mussman) Roethler in Elma, Iowa, Bob’s life was a tapestry of dedication, service, and love for his family and his country.

Bob graduated from Elma High School before answering the call of duty by serving in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, including a tour in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he lived in Virginia during his service years before returning to his roots in Elma, where he resided for the better part of three decades. He recently moved to Waverly, where he continued to be an active and cherished member of the community.

In 1964, Bob’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Darlys, in a quaint café in New Hampton. Their love blossomed, and they were married on July 11, 1964, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Together, they raised two sons, William and Doug, instilling in them the values of hard work and integrity that Bob lived by every day.

A man of many talents, Bob worked for Riley Construction, Howard County Landfill, and Oliver White Farm throughout his career. He also shared his love for music as a member of the “Country Gold” band, where he played for years, bringing joy and entertainment to many.

Bob’s interests were as rich and varied as his life experiences. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting and fishing, finding peace and solace in the great outdoors. Old westerns captured his imagination and provided him with countless hours of enjoyment as he watched them on TV. In recent times, he became a devoted fan of Caitlin Clark, following her sports achievements with enthusiasm (oftentimes calling his sons Doug and William to find out the channel the game was on).

Those who knew Bob will remember him as a man who lived by his motto, “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it well.” This philosophy was evident in everything he did.  Bob’s love for dogs was well-known, and he often found joy in the companionship of his furry friends.

Courageous and handy, Bob approached life’s challenges with a quiet strength that inspired those around him. His ability to repair just about anything, coupled with his bravery in the face of adversity, made him a pillar in his family and community.

Bob is survived by his wife Darlys Roethler of Waverly; sons: William (Amy) Roethler of Janesville and Doug (Abby) Roethler of Denver; brother Leroy (Marge) Roethler of Elma; sister LaVonne Armstrong of Gilbertville; grandchildren: Andrew, Emily, Lincoln, Aubrey, and Morgan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mae (Mussman) Roethler; brothers: Milo, Wally, Jack, Donny, Kenny, and Jim; and sister Lucille Roney.

(641) 393-2461