Robert Buntz Sr.

ROBERT BUNTZ SR.

Des Moines

Robert Joseph Buntz Sr., 93, of Des Moines, passed away Dec. 7, 2014, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Robert (Bob) was born on Jan. 27, 1921, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Andrew and Mary (Grablin) Buntz. He lived the majority of his life in Des Moines, graduating from East High School in 1939. On Jan. 12, 1941, Bob married Marjorie Nelson. He worked at the Iowa Packing Company for

several years. In March 1943, he joined the armed services and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He began his career at the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in January 1949. He served as the vice president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Local 352 for one year and served as president for 14 years. In 1979, he was elected as one of nine officers in the National Association of Letter Carriers in Washington, D.C., and served as the director of the health benefits program for eight years. During this time, he was elected as one of five members to co-chair the Rank and File, known as the President's Committee and served as a member of the Ratification Committee.

He participated in the

negotiation of four national contracts.

In 1987, he retired and he and Marjorie returned to Des Moines. They built a home on Easter Lake and spent several months each winter in Scottsdale, Ariz. Bob loved to hunt, fish and hold annual fish fries with his friends. In addition to his work at the post office, he built four homes and was an accomplished carpenter. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. He and Marjorie frequently attended the

Croatian Fraternal Organization and the Five 0 Club at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Bob and Marjorie had one son, Robert Jr. (Lois); and three grandsons, Brad (Deb) Buntz and Joe and Tim Hand; and grand-daughter, Becky (Brett) Houdeshell; and eight great-grandchildren, Josh, Paige, Logan, Tyler, Jordan, Gracie, Carsyn and Lindsey.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marjorie; a brother, Andrew (Pat); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Andrew and Mary Buntz; his brothers, Frank and William; and his sisters, Mary and Alice.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Grandview Funeral Home in Des Moines, 3211 Hubbell Ave. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd., Des Moines. Interment will follow at the Glendale Cemetery, immediately following the Mass.

Memorials can be directed to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Des Moines.

Online condolences can be sent to www.iles

cares.com.