Robert "Bob" Aalbers

Robert Aalbers, 88, died on July 10, 2018, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. He was born in Otley, Iowa on November 14, 1929, the son of William and Grace (Koopmans) Aalbers.

Bob attended grade schools in Otley and Pella areas and graduated from Monroe High School in the class of 1947. He married Esther W. Jabaai on February 14, 1951 at First Reformed Church in Prairie City, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Danny Wayne in 1952 and Kristin Sue in 1955.

Bob was a Livestock Farmer in the Altoona area. He was the owner and manager of Colfax Livestock Sales Company from 1976 until his retirement in 2003. Bob was a faithful member committed to ministry at the First Reformed Church of Prairie City, serving many years as an elder and deacon, Sunday school teacher, Chairman of Church Building and Planning Committee, which was dedicated in 1982.

In addition to his church, Bob was very involved with the community. He was President of Iowa Livestock Marketing Association from 1980-1981and represented the livestock markets and pork packing plants on the Iowa Pork Pseudorabies Eradication Program. He served on the Polk County Fair Board, was a member of the Altoona Lion’s club, a 4H leader, and supported his children with their 4H projects. Bob was made a lifetime 4H member of Jasper County and was Grand Marshal of the Jasper County 4H parade in 2004.

Bob enjoyed playing softball, golf, wood carving, collecting Hopalong Cassidy memorabilia, playing cards with friends, and the Chicago Cubs.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Esther; son, Danny (Ronda) Aalbers; son-in-law, Michael (Cheryl) Johnston; grandchildren, Kari (Joshua) Jackson, Bradley (Margaret) Johnston, Matthew (Chelsie) Johnston, Jenny (Jeremy) Morse, and Brian (Heather) Cousins; great-grandchildren, Samantha Jackson, Kamden Johnston, Callen Johnston, Ethan Cousins, and Lily Morse; great great-grandson, Khizar Innis. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristin Sue Johnston; brother, Donald Aalbers; and sister-in-law, Laverna Aalbers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at First Reformed Church, 300 E. 5th Street, Prairie City, with burial to follow at Waveland Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Friday evening from 5 to 7p.m. at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Reformed Church Prairie City, Altoona Lions Club or John Stoddard Cancer Center, in loving memory of Bob.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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