Robert "Bob" Edward Jackson

Robert Edward Jackson, 83, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the Regency Care Center in Norwalk, Iowa. Friends and family are welcome to join us on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 for a celebration of Robert’s life at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50313. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Robert Edward Jackson was born November 4, 1939 in Denison, Iowa to Edward and Lillian Jackson. As a young boy, Bob loved spending time fishing with his Grandpa Etzel near Spirit Lake, Iowa. Inspired by these memorable times with his grandpa, Bob would grow to be an avid fisherman, hunter, stock car racer and coin collector. Beginning his career as a long distance truck driver, Bob worked tirelessly, eventually accepting the role of President of the Teamsters Local 90 based in Des Moines, Iowa. Representing and protecting fellow workers energized him and made him proud, and he was especially good at negotiating on behalf of union members to safeguard benefits and ensure employment protections. As he neared retirement, Bob turned his passion (and leadership skills) to music, serving as president of the Iowa Polka Club. If you met him at the grocery store, gas station or at a restaurant, he likely invited you to the Hessen Haus - or to listen to the Bob Malek Fisherman Band at a local venue. Bob and his wife Sue both served as officers to the Iowa Polka Club for several years.

Sharing his love of fishing with his sons Jeff and Dan was a priority, and Bob took his family to the Lake of the Ozarks for vacation each year. With a depth finder and the right bait and tackle, almost anything was possible. Fishing teaches many lessons, especially the skill of waiting - and sometimes, how to manage the disappointment after spending an entire day hoping and trying, but coming home without the anticipated and much dreamed about catch.

Bob lived and loved full-heartedly. He especially adored his wife Sue, and their sweet puppy Tinkerbell, affectionately known as Tink.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeff (Wendi) Jackson; mother, Lillian Jackson; father, Edward Jackson; and sister, Karen (Jim) Gorman.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne; their dog, Tinkerbell; five loving children, Elizabeth (Wes) Jackson Wesley, Patricia Jackson, Danny (Stacey) Jackson, Jeff Stinson, and Andrew (Adrian) Stinson; eight grandchildren who brought Bob much laughter and joy, Kyle Jackson, Bailey Jackson, Samuel Wesley, Caleb Jackson, Shravani Jackson, Mary Anderson, Carson Stinson, and Julianna Stinson.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family in loving memory of Robert Jackson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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