Robert "Bob" L. Riley

On Sunday, February 13th, Robert “Bob” Riley, 86, reunited with his beloved Patty in time for a heavenly Valentine’s day.

A native of Des Moines, Bob was born March 13, 1935 and was one of seven children. He was an introspective man who described himself as a loner but long believed wherever you’re at or whatever you’re doing, make the best of it. Upon returning from the Army, he was united in marriage to Patty and together they raised three children.

He was a devoted husband and father, showing his love through his caring actions and kind small gestures. He lived his life selflessly to improve the lives of his wife and his children. Bob retired from MidAmerican at age 55 to do what he loved most; be there for his family. When he wasn’t helping to raise his grandchildren, he enjoyed playing cribbage, watching football, traveling and volunteering at Camp Appanoose with Patty.

He was an avid reader, devouring novels from Louis L’amour to Agatha Christie and using his vast knowledge to beat us all in Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, a habit he kept for decades. He was kind, levelheaded and thoughtful. He was the man who you went to when you needed advice and guidance. Being able to learn from him is one of the many things we will miss most. He was a model of a life well lived and gave us all an example of what generosity, compassion, and love looks like in a person.

He is survived by his three children, Pam, Bob (Jackie), and Julie (Mark), seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Bob was eagerly waiting for the arrival of his seventh great-grandchild, a boy, to be born in March.

Family will greet friends Thursday, February 24th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313.

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