Slaymaker, Robert 'Bob' C.

Robert “Bob” C. Slaymaker, 75, died peacefully Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, surrounded by his family. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service with Father John Spiegel officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A grill-out at The Kirkwood Room will follow the funeral. Burial will be at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Solon.

In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Bob Slaymaker Memorial Fund or the charity of their choice.

Bob was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Solon, the son of Carl and Elma Cambridge Slaymaker. He was a 1958 graduate of Solon High School, where he played football. On Feb. 5, 1959, Bob married Earlene “Dutch” Hamlett in Cedar Rapids.

Bob was employed for over 32 years at First National Bank in downtown Iowa City. He began his career as a bank teller and was a loan officer when he retired in 1997. Prior to his employment at the bank, Bob was a conservation officer at Lake McBride State Park.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #842, where he had served as Grand Knight. Bob was a past member of the Iowa City Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce. Bob enjoyed camping and shared his love for travel with Dutch. They travelled throughout the United States, including a trip to Alaska where they fished for salmon, and to Europe where they enjoyed the sights in Spain and to Tangiers. In the winter, Bob and Dutch spent time in Naples and Fort Myers, often welcoming Iowa friends during the Hawkeye Bowls. Trips were full of wonderful memories. Bob loved to travel in the motor home or in the golf cart and always enjoyed the “cocktail hour” with friends. Bob was known as the “King of the Grill” because he loved to grill and was an avid Hawkeye supporter.

Bob is survived by his wife, Earlene “Dutch;” and their two daughters, Kim (Joe) Fiala of Troy Mills and Kris (Jim) Stahle of Iowa City; five grandchildren, Melissa (Kyle), Morgan (Tony) and Matthew Fiala, Kyle (Lainey) and Kody Stahle; two great-grandchildren Maxwell and Meridith; two sisters, Ruth Tomas of Iowa City and Rita (Ted) Becker of Center Point; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Aug. 21, 2013.