Robert "Bob" Dreke

Rock Rapids, Iowa

  Robert “Bob” Dreke, age 72, died Monday, October 14, 2024, at his home in Rock Rapids, IA, after a lengthy illness. 

  Public visitation will be Friday, October 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with the family present, at First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids.

  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 19th at First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, with Rev. Steve Van Wyhe officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA.

Robert "Bob" Eugene Dreke was born October 15, 1951, in Estherville, IA, the son of Eugene and Muriel (Stall) Dreke. Bob was the oldest of five sisters and one brother. He graduated from Adrian Public School in 1970. On February 12, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Balster. They were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Iowa. Their first home was in Fulda, MN, where Bob worked at John Deere as a mechanic. In 1974 they moved to Rock Rapids where Bob worked at Case Implement. Later, he started selling Mac Tools. One of his goals was to learn to fly and in 1978 he achieved his Solo Flight. In 2002, Bob started his handyman business. He retired the beginning of 2018.

In 1980, Bob and Barb welcomed their first son Travis. Kyle joined them in 1985. They took a lot of family vacations over the years, mostly camping and boating. Bob loved skiing and teaching others how to ski. As a mechanic Bob enjoyed working on cars, especially the cars that he restored with Travis and Kyle. Bob enjoyed numerous motorcycle trips with his wife, family, and friends. One of his favorite trips was with his boys to Arkansas.

He was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. Bob was a Sunday School teacher, RCYF leader, deacon, and an elder. He drove the church van for many years.

Bob was a family man. His favorite role was grandpa (papa). Bob passed away peacefully at his home on October 14, 2024.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years Barb, Son Travis (Tara) Dreke; Daughter-In-Law Megan Dreke; Grandchildren: Kalli, Christian, Elise and Trace Dreke; Siblings Pat (Curt), Sharon (Les), Sue (Dave), Steve (Karen) and Beth (Denny); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Muriel Dreke; Parents-in-Law Lyle and Alvera Balster; Son Kyle Dreke; Grandson Robert Dreke; and sister Pam Foster.