Lew Roberts
September 10, 2022
Lew Roberts of West Des Moines, Iowa died peacefully on September 10, 2022 at Kavanagh House with his wife Lark at his side.
Lew was born on October 1, 1935 in McLeansboro, Illinois. He had one brother, Michael Roberts. During his early teens Lew attended the Pillsbury Military Academy in Minnesota prior to attending Independence High School where he excelled in football and basketball. In 1954 he joined the Army and served two years active duty before being discharged and entering Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) where he also played football.
Lew and Lark married in 1977 and began a 46-year love affair. Lew brought 5 children to the table with his former wife Kaye Roberts: Doug Roberts (Deb), Toni Baker (Jeff), Robin Bullock (Grant), Matt Roberts, and Jeff Roberts (Blythe), and Lark brought two daughters to the table with her former husband Don Gilboe; Jennifer Roberts (John Flaherty), and Melissa Scott (Ian – deceased). Lew and Lark have 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Lew worked in sales his entire life, beginning with food choppers at the fair, to dry cleaning services, automobiles and ending his career as Sales Manager for Infomax Office Systems. For much of his career Lew worked side by side with Lark where they made a formidable sales team.
Lew and Lark loved spending time at their cottage in Clear Lake, enjoying sunset boat rides and keeping the place ship shape. He loved being behind the wheel of a car going just about anywhere. Lew will be best known for his engaging personality, and the fact that he never met a stranger. He was so well known around town that he seemed to always run into one of his many friends and acquaintances. A friend once said that Lew had a special way of speaking that made it feel like a stage light should be turned upon him for a moment.
Lew was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his son-in-law.
Services will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Thursday 22 September at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa, P.O. Box 1517, Des Moines, IA 50305.
Martha McCormick
09/27/2022
Lew was one of a kind. I will miss him very much. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Jackie Downtown Brown
09/22/2022
Your service for Lew was moving! And yes, he made people feel special! I am grateful for the memories and for you, Lark. What a love you and your family have for what sure is a blessed life. Paradise...perfect! And yes to best dressed!! My heartfelt sympathies.
Paul and Judy Rieman
09/21/2022
So sorry to hear of Lews passing. He was a wonderful friend to so many. and a special friend to both of us. Our prayers are with Lark and family.
Jo Anderson
09/21/2022
Lark I am so sorry to hear about Lew. Out of all the sales managers he was the one that was a pleasure to work with. He will be missed by all!
Jo
Donna Baker (Bake)
09/21/2022
My sincere condolences to Lark and family. Lew was quite a guy. Worked with both he and Lark at Infomax for 19 yrs. I still miss his sense of humor.
Blessings to his family.
Jerry & Jan Anderson
09/19/2022
Sorry for your loss, Lark. Lew and I spent many hours together on the Wapsipinicon River. Always treasure those memories and many others. Condolences from the remaining class of 54 members.
Betty and Jack Soener
09/19/2022
We are so sorry to hear of Lews passing. We have so many fun, fond memories, that we treasure. Our deepest condolences to you, Lark, and all the family
Mark Pierce
09/17/2022
Dear Lark,
I am at a loss for words what to say! Ive always felt a strong bond with you both. I wish I could be there with you during this time but Julie and I are traveling. Please know Im praying for you and your family. God bless you all!
Sue Fouche
09/14/2022
Dear Lark..,,I am so sorry that you are having to go through this too. I didnt know Lew well but I did know there was a Lew & Lark and I enjoyed seeing you two together over the years. I just wanted to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers & to send blessing to you and your family my friend!
Ed Schiller
09/14/2022
Lark, I have nothing but great memories of the time being around Lew and the best of memories were company events and trips with both of you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as we all experience a loss of the wonderful gift Lew was to all of us. Our prayers are with with you!!
Tricia Moon Kerns
09/14/2022
My deepest sympathies to Lark and family. I loved working beside you both for many years. Lew always had great words of wisdom and stories, and they always made me laugh. He could sell anything to anybody. He always had the shiniest shoes and he never missed a beat telling you to shine yours if they looked bad. He will be missed by many. Love you! RIP
Mike Fisher
09/14/2022
Dear Lark, just heard the sad news of Lews passing , Lew was one of the good guys, may God bless you and your family.
Wade & Mary Krieg
09/14/2022
Our deepest condolences and love to Lark and all of Lew's family on his passing. He was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.