Robert Sieck

It is with heavy hearts that we tell you that Robert L. (Bob) Sieck passed away on November 5, 2018. Per his request, Bob was cremated. There was no funeral nor a celebration of life. He also requested that an internment shall be at a later date.

Robert (Bob) Sieck was born on September 8, 1936, in rural Tama county to William F. Sieck and Dolores Lacina Sieck. The early years of his life was spent living on his grandfather’s farm, between Tama and Gilman, with his parents. He completed 4th grade at the county school across the road from his grandfather’s farm. In 1946, his family moved into Tama. He enjoyed living in town playing with his grade school friends. As a young boy, Bob collected newspapers in his wagon and sold them to the local paper mill. He also shoveled snow and mowed lawns for the local neighbors. He delivered papers for the Des Moines Register. In high school he worked weekends delivering milk from the local dairy. The money that he saved he was able to purchase a bike and then in 1952 he bought a 1941 Chevy for $125.00.

Some of his fondest memories as a child were going fishing with his parents to Greene county. A trip to Washington state to see family was a highlight. He remembered seeing acres of potato blooms. They also climbed to Mount Baker and sat in the snow over the fourth of July. He went swimming in a lake and was able to look down to see his toes. Yellowstone National Park was a wonderful spot to stop at on the way home. They enjoyed seeing elk, bear and buffalo.

During high school he was active in football playing right half back. He also was the kicker for the team. According to the local paper Bob had an “educated toe” and won many games for Tama high. Bob laughs as he remembers seeing “stars” and endured a broken nose, during this period of his life. Baseball was another sport he enjoyed. Starting in left field and the moving to become a third baseman.

After high school he worked on the Milwaukee Railroad along with his buddy Ron Fowler. They were low men on the crew so they did work such as keeping the tracks level. This involved pulling out old ties and replacing with new one. Pounding of spikes was also their job.

In March of 1955, Bob and his friend, Ron Fowler, enlisted in the Army. After 8 weeks of basic training and 8 weeks of advanced basic training in artillery, both men were sent to Bamberg, Germany. They they spent 28 months. Bob was in fire direction and also competed in the rifle matches. Bob and Ron used their leave to tour many European countries, enjoying the many tourist sites. Upon Bob and Ron’s discharge from the army, they both went back to the railroad.

Bob decided that he would attend a computer school in Des Moines, Iowa. After the necessary training he was offered a job with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids as a computer programmer. There he spent 13 years before being laid off during a downsizing of the company. Bob moved to Des Moines to continue working as a computer programmer for Iowa Methodist Hospital, American Republic and Iowa Credit Union League. Before his retirement, he worked with several companies with the Y-2k projects. Bob finally retired in 2001.

Bob enjoyed working with wood and refinishing furniture. He also enjoyed camping with the grandchildren. Gathering up walnuts and picking them out was also something that Bob enjoyed. Some years, several quarts were harvested. Fishing was another favorite pass time. Bob put many puzzles together, some of them were decoupaged and then giving to family members. At Christmas time, Bob would make his speciality of peanut brittle. He would make at least 10 batches and send them out in the mail. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed playing golf and in pool tournaments.

In 1960, Bob married Marlene Kramer. To this union 4 children were born: Sheldon (Rob), Kelly, Ronald (Ron) and Kristi. Bob and Marlene later divorced.

In 1989, Bob married Sharon Linn Eggleston. They then became a blended family adding 4 more children: Scott, Tammie, Machele and Kevin.

Bob and Sharon lived in Iowa until 2001 where they moved to Texas to enjoy retirement. They enjoyed participating in club house fun activities, bowling and playing cards. Bob enjoyed touring the grounds in his golf cart.

Bob’s health began to decline and he had to have a quad bypass and his right leg was amputated just above the knee. Sharon also had experienced health problems. It was then they were persuaded to move back to Iowa to be closer to family, as they could not take care of each other. In November 2016, Bob became a resident of the Iowa Soldier’s Home in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he was able to get the best healthcare and later comfort care.

Bob is survived by his wife, children, seventeen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and two infant brothers.

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