Robert J. Meinders, 78, of Ottumwa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at 10:34 a.m. September 7, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born November, 5, 1945 in Oskaloosa to Clarence W. and Martha Fortney Meinders. He married Jean A. Schillerstrom April 9, 1977.
A 1963 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Bob served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1965 to 1971. Bob worked for 30 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 2002. He then worked 16 years at Hy-Vee as a delivery driver and 3 years for Fareway.
Bob was a member of First Lutheran Church and had recently been attending The Bridge Church. He loved golfing and bowling, participating in the Senior Golf League and the John Deere League, making many great golfing friends. He participated in a twilight bowling league for 30 years and was a part of a state championship bowling team. Most importantly he enjoyed helping coach his children’s sports teams and attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.
Surviving is his wife, Jean; three children, Leslie Ann Meinders, Lisa (Cliff) Duff and Ryan (Megan) Meinders, all of Ottumwa; grandchildren, McKenna (Joe), Madison (Grady) and Macy Duff, Cohen, Elliot, and Miles Meinders, and Morgan and Adam Greiner; a brother, Rodney (Cindy) Meinders of Ottumwa; several nieces and nephews and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Ronald Meinders.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 11th at Reece Funeral Home with his family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 12th at Reece Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the services with private inurnment in Ottumwa Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to 4-H Clover Kids Afterschool Program.
