Robert James Oliver, Sr.
January 08, 2010
Bob (Ollie) Oliver Sr., 67, died Friday, January 8, 2010 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston after battling pancreatic cancer for 4 ½ years. Bob was born on December 10, 1942 in Des Moines to Nello and Mary (Alessio) Oliver.
He enjoyed time with his family, grandchildren, fishing in northern Minnesota, vegetable gardening and his tuxedo cats. Bob retired from the US Postal Service as a letter carrier and later worked for Dahl’s Grocery store on Merle Hay Road making many friends with co-workers and customers. Bob was a US Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam conflict.
Bob is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judy; son, Robert (Brenda) James Oliver Jr.; stepson, Eric (Karen) Gillaspy of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Grace and Robert James Oliver III; sisters, Barbara Conway of Brookfield, WI and Julie Oliver of Pleasant Hill; three nephews, Alan, Jeff and Austin; and two nieces, Kerrie and Jodi. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family wishes to express a thank you to Dr. Robert Shreck, Dr. Richard Deming, Dr. Kendall Reed and their staff for their guidance, expertise and compassion throughout Bob’s illness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, 4600 Meredith Dr., Des Moines. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A visitation with the family present will be Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 5-7 pm at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60 Avenue, Des Moines, with a vigil service at 7 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospital Cancer Center in loving memory of Bob.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Patsy Anderson
01/13/2010
Robbie:
I was sad to hear about your father. I remember meeting him a few times and then would say hi to him at Dahls. My mother died just last week. We will always have all the fond memories of our parent and comfort knowing the place they are now does seem to ease the pain.
Jerrie Sergio Hubbuch
01/12/2010
Judy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Linda Brennan
01/12/2010
Judy, So sorry to read of Bob's death--you are in my heart and prayers during this time of grieving and sorrow. I can remember Bob stopping in at Charter to say hi to Judy and Vivian while delivering mail--he was always so friendly! God's blessings to you and your family.
Mary Jo (Bates Gamble
01/11/2010
Dear Oliver Family:
To you I send my sincere sympathy in your loss. I went through grade school with Bobby Oliver at St. Anthonys School and always remember him as a happy and fun young man. He was my friend and liked by everyone.
I will forever remember his last day at St. Anthonys when we were in 8th grade; it was the day that Father Clark found the initials B.O. on the wall of the boys newly-painted restroom. Remember this is Catholic school now and discipline was at times over the top. Anyway Father Clark was overly physical and angry with Bobby--way too much; Bobby did not come back to St. Anthonys.
I was fond of and always remembered him. My birthday is also in December of 1942, so we had a kinship in that regard too.
God bless you.
Sincerely, Mary Jo (Bates) Gamble
Jerry Ferris
01/11/2010
Judy, Maxine and I are sorry for your loss. Bob was a great friend and classmate. We had many fun times back in high school days. With your support He battled long and hard with the cancer. God bless you.