Nels "Bob" Walters

Rock Rapids, IA        Nels “Bob” Walters, age 83 of Rock Rapids, IA died suddenly on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Sanford Rock Rapids Hospital.        Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 17th at First Baptist Church near George, IA, with Rev. Mike Hagan officiating.        Burial will follow in the church cemetery.        Visitation will be Wednesday, December 16th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.      Nels “Bob” Robert Walters was born July 22, 1932 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of John and Nellie (Timmerman) Walters.  He grew up in Ash Creek, Minnesota and attended country school.  As a youngster he helped area farmers and loved playing baseball, and hunting and fishing along the Rock River.                   In 1953 Bob entered the U.S. Army where he served as a cook and baker.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1955.  He returned to Rock Rapids, IA and worked briefly for Olson Block & Tile Factory, before working for Pettingill Concrete in Rock Rapids.  He was united in marriage to Lila DeBoer on December 30, 1959 in George, IA.  In 1961 Bob began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation.  He retired after 31 ½ years.              Bob and Lila attended First Baptist Church near George, IA.  He enjoyed fishing with family, and gardening.  He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching nature programs on TV.  Later in life he took daily walks in Island Park and quite often brought his fishing pole along.             He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lila Walters of Rock Rapids, IA;  two children, Sharon (husband, Brad) Schneidermann of Inwood, IA and Steve Walters of Rock Rapids, IA; two grandsons, Brenan and Ryan Schneidermann, both of Inwood, IA; a sister, Stella Schneider of Northridge, CA; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.             He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie Walters; three brothers, John, Freddie and Henry Walters; brother-in-law, Quinten Schneider; and sister-in-law, Bernice Walters.