Robert Charles Ohlfest

Robert "Bob" Charles Ohlfest was born on June 6, 1924 in rural Valparaiso, Indiana. His parents were Alma A. (Wiemuth) and C. Earl Ohlfest. He was the middle child of brothers Art and Chuck and sisters Helen (Studman), and Velma (Koopman). He attended rural schools until high school and then graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1942. Bob was drafted into the army in May of 1943 and completed basic training at Aberdeen, Maryland. When the Japanese invaded India, Bob was part of the Mars Task Force that was organized to go behind enemy lines and cut off their supply route. Bob was Battalion Armorer, repairing weapons as part of this task force. He also served as a staff sergeant in North Africa, China, Burma and India. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. Robert was joyfully married to Barbara Ellen Schroeder in Bristol, Wisconsin on February 12, 1949 and remained by her side until her death in 1996. They raised their family in Mount Vernon, Iowa and Bob moved to Sioux City, Iowa in 2003. He owned and operated a Western Tire store in Downers Grove, Illinois and several Standard/Amoco service stations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa until his retirement. He ran a small Christmas tree farm on his acreage with his neighbor and best of friends Don Siggins. He is survived by sons, Douglas (Carolyn) Ohlfest of Sioux City, Iowa, Thomas (Monna) Ohlfest of Marshalltown, Iowa, Michael (Ok) Ohlfest, Chantilly, Virginia, daughter-in-law Martha Ohlfest; six grand children: Drs. John (Karen) Ohlfest, Dr. Jennifer (Justin) Sands, Jason Ohlfest, Megan Ohlfest, Dustin Ohlfest, Katy Ohlfest; and two great-grandchildren: Micah Sands and Grace Ohlfest. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, his brother Art, sister Helen, and his son David. His greatest joys in life were his family, friends and his two dogs Pepper and Cookie. He was devoted to leading his family and to serving his savior Jesus Christ. He especially enjoyed fishing in Canada for the last 50 years, and playing cards with his family and friends, where he was a sharp and uncannily lucky player. He lived out his faith and will be greatly missed by all. Bob was a current member of the VFW Post #9722, Calvary Lutheran Church in Sioux City, and long time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The family asks that memorials be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in Mount Vernon. Bob's funeral services, 10:00 a.m., Thursday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by Reverend Mark Gefaller. Friends may call Wednesday, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., at Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel. Bob will be buried in Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery with military rites.