Like, Robert

Robert Like, 84, of Monticello, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at Jones Regional Hospital, Anamosa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors. The Rev. Darrell Larson will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. today at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Surviving are his wife, Berniece; two children, Judy (Darwin) Ricklefs and Jim (Carla) Like, both of Monticello; five grandchildren, Matt (Amy) Like, Sara Like, Jessica (Scot) McElmeel, Dustin (Lindsey) Ricklefs and Darin Ricklefs; seven great-grandchildren, Morgan, Keegan, Kylee, Dawson, Dylan, Dalton and Drew; a sister, Edna (Leonard) Mitchell, Apache Junction, Ariz.; a sister-in-law, Marlene Like, Monticello; and special friend, Charlie Rigby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Laura Ehlts, Mary Pearson, Jeanne McElmeel and Sally Prahl; and a brother, Ken Like.

Robert Melvin Like was born Jan. 18, 1926, at Monticello, Iowa, the son of Roy and Lillian (Ambuehl) Like. He received his education in the rural schools near his home. Bob started trucking with his father. He went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War from March 1951 until March 1953. Bob married Berniece Kray on June 23, 1951, at Jeffersonville, Ind. When he came home from the service he bought his first truck and started Bob Like Trucking. He purchased the family farm in 1964 and farmed, as well as operated his trucking business. Bob brought his son Jim into the business in 1988 and retired from active operation of the business in 1993.

Bob was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He was baptized while in the service, on Feb. 22, 1953, and confirmed his faith on Jan. 31, 1954, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

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