Robert K. Shields
March 26, 2013
Robert K. Shields, 85 years, longtime resident of Ankeny, Iowa, peacefully passed from this life on 26 March 2013, at the Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, from complications associated with a stroke. Visitation will be at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 30 March 2013, with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors. A lunch will be served following services to all wishing to join in the celebration of this dear man’s life.
Bob was the 2nd son of Harry and Eathel Shields, born in Murray, Iowa on August 4th 1927. Bob spent his entire youth in the Murray area and joined the Army Air Corps in World War II. He proudly served as an engine mechanic on the B-29 Superfortress until the War’s end.
After the War, he was united in marriage to his beloved Carolyn Rose on June 29th 1946, and shortly thereafter moved to the Des Moines area to begin their family. Bob began his professional career at Solar Aircraft in Des Moines as a tool designer, and from there went to the John Deere Des Moines Works as a Tool and Die Maker. His expertise, organizational skills, and endearing personality helped him rise through the supervisory ranks and after 31 years he retired in 1982 as the factory Safety Director.
Bob was a devoted husband of over 65 years, an active father of three, and lived a full and independent life, always committed to his family. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, and camping throughout his life, and owned many pleasure craft of all sizes ~ most bearing the name of his daughter: Becky Ann. Bob and Carolyn’s last vessel was a large houseboat they kept moored at the Saylorville Marina for several years and was enjoyed by the entire family. He was always keen for adventure, which often challenged him to keep up with his sons whether mushroom and pheasant hunting, waterskiing, or trail riding and hill climbing on their motorcycles – what a time he had!
During his long retirement, he and Carolyn enjoyed traveling and especially to Toy Tractor Shows where they made many close friends. Bob’s perfectionism and skill as a tool maker served him well in this hobby as he built and refurbished countless numbers of toy tractors to the admiration and envy of collectors throughout the Midwest. When he committed himself to a project, he always put the full strength of his considerable talents to the task. As a perfectionist he always kept his cars and John Deere Tractors in show-room condition- no matter the season. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and always devoted to his family.
Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his wife Carolyn Rose and their children; Gary Robert and wife Mary (Indianola, IA); John Steven and wife Lynda (Earlham, IA); and Rebecca Ann and husband Brad Heckman (Kansas City, MO). Also surviving are his grandchildren, Michael and Erin (Nestor) Tarango (Gary); Jeff and Kim (Chad) Mease (John); Daniel and Shelby (Rebecca); two great-granddaughters, Addison (Kimi) and Hannah Rose (Erin); and his sister, Marge and husband Dick Moberly. He is fondly remembered by his many friends in the community and all across the Midwest. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard.
The family wishes to profoundly thank the staff of Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny for the compassionate and loving care they provided.
Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Bob’s obituary at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kenny
04/07/2013
Becky Im very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Time heals our sadness, be strong and remember how He Loved his Becky Ann so!! My condolences to your Mother, Brothers and your entire family, May he rest in peace.
James Wettestad
03/30/2013
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. I cared for Robert when I worked at Sunny View Care Center.
Mike and Betty Perry
03/29/2013
How well I remember Bob's cars NEVER haveing ANY dust, mud, etc. on them.
As a neighbor down the block we weren't close friends but had several opportunities to meet---parent teacher conferences/ back to school nights during my days as a student teacher @ Parkview the first yr. it was the High School and the with John and Becky as a teacher @ Neveln. In our little subdivison(Northlawn-Plat 2) always we were aware of anything strange going on especially if we didn't recognize the cars.
Betty and I send our condolences and will keep you all in our prayers. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Rick Hornberg
03/29/2013
Mrs. Shields, Gary, John, and Becky. My heart felt sympathy to you all. Bob was a great guy and will be missed by many. It was a privilege to know him as we grew up and while at Deere. He always had time to stop and talk when we would see each other. he was more than a safety director he was a friend. Rest in Peace my friend and may God Bless all of you.
Dan Broghammer
03/29/2013
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My condolences to Carolyn and the rest of the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob both as a colleague and freind having worked with him for several years. I will always remember the good times over at the house sharing stories with him over a few libations and Carolyn's great meals. He was truly one of those good guys that you rarely encounter in this life. May he rest in peace.
Frank and Mary DeMarco
03/29/2013
Gary,
I am sorry to hear of loss of your father. He was a wonderful man and father to one of the best friends I have ever had.
FD
Shary Albaugh
03/29/2013
Dear Becky and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Sending prayers to all of you.
Bernie & Deb Abeyta
03/28/2013
John & Lynda:
Just want to send our sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Bernie has fond memories of working with Bob during the JD implementation of OSHA regulations. We are thinking of you and hope your wonderful memories will comfort you during this difficult time.
Scott W Hunzinger
03/28/2013
I wanted to say how sorry I am for the family's loss. He was the foundation of their family and he will be missed. I have fond memories growing up with the Shields family, we boated together for years and years. I can't think of any other family in Iowa that I was closer to growing up. Carolyn was my second mom amd Bob was always trying to teach me how to waterski. Becky was my best friend growing up in Iowa. I am truly blessed for having met Bob, he will be missed by our family.
Becky Monaghan
03/28/2013
I am so sorry for your family's loss Carolyn. I know how much you and your kids loved him. I know how devoted you were to your beloved Bob. I pray your memories will comfort you at this time, With Love Becky (Shear Style)