Robert James Reber Jr., 75, of Ottumwa died at 8:50 a.m. January 31, 2026 at Manor House Care Center in Sigourney.
He was born July 30, 1950 in Ottumwa to Robert James and Vida Marie Thompson Reber Sr. He married Pamela Johnson March 4, 1972 and they later divorced.
A 1969 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Robert had worked as a welder for Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 2011.
He enjoyed making jewlery, bowling, ceramic painting, watching westerns and shooting black powder rifles.
Surviving is a daughter, Melissa (Kevin) Linn of Ollie; a son, James Reber of Iowa City; 5 grandchildren, Dalton, Ranen, Kevin, Aidan, Sonora; 2 siblings, Kerry (Shirley) Reber of Bloomfield and Kenneth (Brenda) Reber of Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Harland.
His body has been cremated.
Memorial visitation with the family present to greet friends will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 5th, at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
