Robert Orr

Rock Rapids

     Robert Miles Orr age 96, of Rock Rapids, IA, formerly of Laurens, IA died Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Rock Rapids Health Centre.

     A graveside service will be Thursday, December 17^th 1:00 P.M. at Eastside Cemetery in Estherville, IA, Pastor Travis Remme officiating.

     Robert Miles “Bob” Orr was born August 8, 1924 in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the son of Miles and Elizabeth (Lyons) Orr. At the age of six months his family moved to Ware, Iowa. The Methodist Church in Ware is where Bob was confirmed in his faith. He had a life-long love of reading the Bible and singing hymns. He enjoyed learning and graduated with the honor of valedictorian from Ware High School. Bob worked for local farmers, Quaker Oats and Cargill Elevators in Ware; M&JR Hakes in Laurens; and the Laurens-Marathon School district as custodian and bus driver.

     March 31, 1972 Bob married Mary Ann (Vedder) Jacobson at the United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg, IA. He said that was the single most life-changing event of his life as he also became dad to Mary Ann’s two young daughters. Bob and his new family made their home in Laurens, Iowa. The highlight of every year was the road trip vacation with favorites being to California and Florida. Other family activities included fishing, camping, and time spent at Spirit Lake. Bob and Mary Ann continued to travel as empty nesters especially to enjoy the sports and musical activities of their three grandchildren. Bob spent a lot of time reading with Westerns as his favorite genre. He was also active in bowling leagues, card clubs, and bingo. He could give anyone pointers on the fine art of pinochle, bridge, and cribbage. He was a member of the Laurens United Methodist Church and a Mason at the Grace Lodge in Laurens. Bob was the town Santa for many years with Mary Ann being Mrs. Claus.

   Bob and Mary Ann moved to the Rock Rapids Health Centre in March of 2008. Bob enjoyed the activities there especially outings, cards & dice, Bingo, and the hymn sings. He was honored to say the Lord’s Prayer as grace for many of the noon meals. Bob nearly always had a smile and kind word for everyone he met, and was grateful for the friendships he had with the volunteers, staff, and residents. After Mary Ann’s death on June 25, 2012 Bob continued to reside at the Rock Rapids Health Centre until he was called home to his Lord, this past Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

     Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Marilee (Dave) Schleusner of Rock Rapids, IA and Ann (Ryan) Westphal of Greensburg, IN; granddaughters, Natalie (Michael) Mallak of Minnetonka, MN and Kendra (Troy) Kunnari of Sioux Center, IA; great-grandchildren Finn and Valerie Kunnari, and David “Cubby” Mallak; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

     Rejoicing with him at his homecoming are his parents; wife, Mary Ann; grandson, Alexander Westphal; brothers, Richard, William, Dale, and Lauren Orr; sisters, Mildred Stearns and Marge Steward; and many other relatives and friends.