Robert Leo 'Bob' DeMeulenaere

ROBERT LEO DEMEULENAERE

Urbandale

Robert Leo DeMeulenaere, "Bob ," 79, passed away on Oct. 16, 2018, at Arbor Springs, West Des Moines, from complications of Alzheimer's/Parkinson's. Bob was born on April 4, 1939, in Moline, Ill., to Agnes McGovern and Florent DeMeulenaere. In addition to wonderful parents, he was fortunate to have great stepparents, stepfather Doyle Cook and stepmother Flossie DeMeulenaere. Bob grew up in Davenport, Iowa, and attended St. Ambrose Academy, graduating in 1957. After high school, Bob attended Loras College, graduating in 1961. Uncle Sam said, "I want you!", and Bob joined the U.S. Army. He was a member of the military police in St. Louis, Mo.

In July 1963, Bob was united in marriage to Marjorie "Marge" Sheehan in Chicago, Ill. Together, they raised three children, Bob, Bill and Beth Ann. They were blessed with 45 years of marriage until Marge died of cancer in 2008. In 2010, Bob married Ruth Rogers in Healdsburg, Calif.

When Bob left the Army in 1963, he and Marge moved to Davenport, Iowa. While opening a checking account, he was strongly encouraged to apply for a job at the bank. That began a lifetime career in banking with Brenton Banks in Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. Bob went from cashier to CEO/president and board member of Brenton Banks. He attended many graduate schools of banking: Rutgers University, the University of Illinois and the University of Oklahoma. In 2001, Bob facilitated the sale and transition of Brenton Banks to Wells Fargo. Bob always said that his rise to become the president of Brenton Banks was made possible by the many co-workers and managers who influenced him along the way.

Bob was involved in a large variety of civic, service and church organizations wherever he lived. He believed in giving back and helping improve communities.

Bob loved running, recording over 18,000 miles. He enjoyed time at the gym, walleyball, basketball, reading, and MOVIES. Bob loved competition and the joy of winning. Bob and Marge took their children and grandchildren to the Magic Kingdom in Florida many times. He also traveled to many parts of the world. Above all, he enjoyed time with family and friends. Bob's smile could light up a room. He had a caring and compassionate personality.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Urbandale; children, Bob (Michelle) of Baton Rouge, La., Bill (Krista) of Altoona and Beth Ann (Nick Brooks) of North Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren, Shelby DeMeulenaere (Ricky James), Amanda (Mike) Giles, Logan, Emily, Allison, Grant and Kelly DeMeulenaere, and Kallie and Gavin Brooks; great-grandson, Idris James; stepchildren, Andy (Bentley) Rogers of Seattle, Tony (Michelle) Rogers of Waukee and Mindy (Bob) Marold of Ankeny; stepgrandchildren, Calvin, Dakota, Grady, C.J. and Cooper Rogers, Madison and Carter Alberts and Sam and Max Marold; sisters, Tana (Gerry) O'Dean and Judy Iossi of Davenport; brother, Mark (Wendy) DeMeulenaere of Ukiah, Calif.; brother-in-law, Bob (Jeanne) Sheehan of Riverside, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; stepparents; first wife, Marge; sister, Barbara Cook; and brothers- and sister-in-law, Jack and Lois Sheehan and Mark Iossi.

Visitation will be at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy. in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 28th St. in Des Moines, by Drake University with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 804 E. 39th St. in Davenport, at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, with lunch to follow at the Outing Club, 2109 Brady St. in Davenport.

Memorials may be directed to ChildServ, Brenton Heritage Carousel Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.

The family thanks Arbor Springs and Suncrest Hospice for their care.