Melsha Sr., Robert D.

Robert D. Melsha Sr. died peacefully Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Services: 3 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, by the Rev. Dr. William Jamison. Private family inurnment: Campbell Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnne Melsha; two sons, Steven and Daniel, both of Cedar Rapids; brother, Leon (Diane) Melsha of Cedar Rapids; and grandchildren, Lexis and Hunter Melsha.

Bob was born Oct. 18, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, to Robert and Hazel Melsha. He married Joanne Jerabek on Dec. 25, 1955.

Bob was an accomplished trumpet player. By the time he was 15 he was playing at Danceland in Cedar Rapids, as well as internationally. Bob had his own band for many years, playing with many internationally known musicians and recorded a CD entitled, “Bob Melsha and Friends.” He also played in the Shrine Band, Drum Corps, Kirkwood Community Concert Band, as well as the Fort Lauderdale Concert Band.

He was a member of the Masons, Shrine, Elks Club and Musicians Union for over 50 years. Bob was a charter member of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and a major supporter of Discovery Village as well as Camp Courageous.

In his youth he was active in ice-skating and received 2nd place in Silver Skates competition. Second only to his family and music was his love of duck hunting with his family. Bob tied for first place twice and won second place in the Iowa State Duck Calling Competition. He spent his leisure time at his summer home in Guttenberg with family and friends; fishing, golfing and boating. His winters were spent at his condo in Florida, golfing and soaking up sun with his beloved wife and friends.

He attended the University of Iowa, and then went on to join the Air Force and became a veteran of the Korean conflict. Bob worked in the family business at Refrigeration Equipment Company, then founded automated food systems with son Steven, then owned half of JaBo Inc. where they built Willowbrook Apartments and Willowbrook Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids. With his son, Dan, he started Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centers in Eastern Iowa and went on to win numerous national awards.

The highlight of Bob's life was his dedication to his wife, three sons and two grandchildren as well as his love of flying his private airplane.

Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart and love for Czech and Italian food and seafood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Discovery Living Inc., 1015 Old Marion Rd. NE.