Slater, MSgt Robert W.

MSgt Robert W Slater

(U. S. Air Force Ret)

Robert W Slater of Lamont, Iowa, passed away Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospitals after a long battle with carcinoid syndrome.

Survivors include his wife, Anna May; seven children. Roberta Barrer, Bettendorf, Theresa (Allan) Franzen, Garber, Leo (Jeni) Slater, Lamont, Harold Slater, Little Rock, Ark., Paul (Cathi) Slater, Cedar Rapids, Dr. John (Gina) Slater, Westlake, Ohio, and CMSgt Nick Slater, U. S. Air Force; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister, Patricia (Dan) Delong, Arlington.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary; his brothers, Wayne, Francis, Norbert and Harold; and son-in-law, Michael Barrer.

Robert was born Feb. 3, 1934, to Leo and Lucille (Gletty) Slater, on a farm west of Oelwein, Iowa. He attended rural schools until moving to a farm near Lamont, where he attended and graduated from Lamont High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, serving over 20 years, retiring in 1972 with the rank of master sergeant. On Aug. 12 1952, Robert married Anna May Steege at St Mary's Catholic Church, Lamont. They then spent the next 20 years raising kids and serving at Air Force bases across the United States, Hawaii and Spain.

After retiring, Robert moved the family back to Lamont where he started an electrical business and was active in the community. He also drove bus for Starmont Community schools for 24 years and served as Lamont city clerk for 18 years, retiring from all of his positions in 1996. Robert and Anna May then spent several winters in Florida, traveled throughout the United States and Europe, and spent over 20 summers at River of Lakes Campground in Bagley, Wis. Bob loved his wife and children and the time spent with them. His special pride were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking them camping and fishing. He loved working in his shop and garden whenever he could. Bob will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Bob was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Assembly 1853, Oelwein; 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Council 11880, Strawberry Point; member of the American Legion Post 346, Lamont; and the Air Force Sergeants Association.

Bob worked with the Hospice of Buchanan County during its early years and after it became a part of Cedar Valley Hospice. He was named Hospice of Buchanan County Person of the Year and Buchanan County Health Field Volunteer (auxiliary) in 1996.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Strawberry Point. The family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until services on Saturday at the church. As per Bob's wishes, he has been cremated and burial will take place at a later date in St. Albert's Cemetery, near Lamont. Military rites will be conducted by the Lamont American Legion at the church. The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation services of Lamont is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send an online condolence, go to under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 13, 2012.