Robert Rahlf

Robert J. Rahlf age 50 of New Hampton died Monday, April 3, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton with Rev. Brian Dellaert presiding. Interment with military honors will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery with Gene Scroggins, Jacob Scroggins, Derek Baker, Jeremy Clark, Matt Zeien and Dan Lechtenberg as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Patty Hoeck, Aaron Peterson and Austin Peterson. Friends may greet the family 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Bob’s family asks that visitors feel free to come casual. Robert Joseph Rahlf made his grand entrance into the world on April 25, 1966, in Sumner, IA, the oldest son of Roger and Lana Rae (Todd) Rahlf. He began his education at Winnie the Pooh Preschool where he was likely one of the cutest little poohs ever and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1984. He then served in the Army from 1985 – 1993 and was deployed to Iraq during Desert Storm. He was also stationed in Germany twice and Bob often talked about returning to Germany as he enjoyed his time there. Bob was noted for being a hard worker and worked at many factories in the area throughout the years. At some point he acquired the nickname, ‘Animal’, possibly stemming from the aforementioned Pooh years..but most likely not. His former co-workers in Fredericksburg may be able to shed some light on the subject. In the Summer of 1993, Bob met his wife, the great love of his life, Deb Zeien, and they welcomed their daughter Alyshea into the world in 1999. He was instantly smitten and so began the wrapping of “Animal” around Alyshea’s little finger. Bob remained devoted to his family throughout life as they slightly edged out his beloved Chicago Bears Truly Bob was larger than life had a big personality, strong convictions, love of action movies, had a great big smile and more often than not, voiced his loud opinions. He surprised everyone by slipping out of the world quietly and peacefully in his sleep. Survivors include his wife, Deb Rahlf; a daughter, Alyshea Rahlf, both of New Hampton; his mother, Lana Rae Nelson of Fredericksburg; two brothers, Bill (Leanne) Rahlf of Fredericksburg, Jim (Sara) Rahlf of New Hampton; three aunts, Kathleen Rahlf, Carol Rahlf, both of New Hampton, Cheri Petersen of Mason City. He was preceded in death by his father in 2008 and grandparents.