Coyle, Robert C. 'Bob'

Robert C. “Bob” Coyle, 79, of 7373 Hartbecke Rd., Epworth, went to heaven Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at 6:43 a.m., peacefully at his home. Friends and relatives of Bob may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m., and a KC rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Services for Bob Coyle will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at St. John's Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa, with the Rev. Dennis Cain officiating. Burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Placid.

Bob was born in Placid, Iowa on July 14, 1932, son of Charles “Chick” Coyle and Catherine “Scott“ (Hefel) Coyle-Hall. He graduated from the eighth grade in a one-room school house in rural Placid. On July 3, 1951, he was united in marriage to LaVonne Riniker in North Buena Vista, Iowa.

He was a member of St. John's Parish, Placid, the Farley Knights of Columbus Council 2001, and a devoted member of the Epworth Gun Club for 40 plus years.

His favorite activities included farming, fishing, playing euchre, and hunting with his coon hounds “Coyle's Treeing Walkers.”

He took great pride in tending to his grapes and making his famous homemade wine for family and friends.

Bob's greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife of 60 years, and their children and families, along with many loyal friends. All who knew him will remember his concern for others, his generosity, his ear for listening and words of wisdom.

He is survived by his devoted wife, LaVonne; his children, Linda (Rick) Boffeli, Thomas “Skinny” (Linda) Coyle, David “Bink” (Bonnie) Coyle, Sarah (John) Fine, Karen (Joe) Young, Kathy McDermott (special friend, Jim Splinter) and Charlie (Ann) Coyle, all of Epworth, Dennis “Hook” Coyle of Amana and Hugh (Vicky) Coyle of Farley; daughter-in-law, Carol Coyle of Cascade; 34 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; extended family member, Clair (Marilyn) Hefel; and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Ludovissy, Joan Hefel, Joan Riniker and Madonna (Clarence) Ludovissy.

He was preceded in death by a son, Patrick; a daughter, Nancy; his parents; his stepfather, Merle “Mike” Hall; his father- and mother-in-law, Aloysius and Evelyn Riniker, a great-granddaughter, Kylie Aldrich-Coyle; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Walter and Judy Riniker, Merle Ludovissy, Milton Hefel, Aloysius Riniker Jr., Tom and Geri Hefel and Celestine and Ivanelle Ludovissy.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

A special thank you to the Epworth Fire Department, Dr. Leeson, Dr. Herman, Dr. Whalen and Finley Home Care and Hospice of Dubuque.

Published Nov. 13, 2011, in The Gazette