Robert (Bob) Westendorf Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Robert (Bob) Westendorf

Robert (Bob) Westendorf, 85, of Ankeny passed away peacefully, February 20, 2025.

A private family celebration of life will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa.

Bob was born January 25, 1940, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Charles and Irma Westendorf. He attended school in Buffalo Center, IA and Mason City, IA.

Bob married the love of his life Janice (Jan) Thompson June 4, 1960. Bob served his country by joining the National Guard For 5 years. They moved to Worthington, MN where they raised four children, later moving back to Mason City, IA and ended up calling Ankeny, IA home.

Bob loved Jesus and serving in his church helping with anything that was needed. He enjoyed serving on the Board, helping with offering and early on with youth group. His passion and heart were always for Missions; Bob believed giving to Missions was first and vital to a church. Bob found so much joy singing out loud any time the old hymns were played. He enjoyed listening to his wife Jan playing piano or the organ and with much pride would often brag of her ability. He was a social butterfly and loved hosting friends, traveling with friends, and having family fill the house.

Bob enjoyed his nine grandchildren. Every one of them could tell you fun stories of grandpa and his ability to fix anything with a little duct tape, glue, bungee cords, or all the fun to be had cutting wood with a grandpa who could outwork them. In his last days his great-grandson Cooper brought so much joy, and in some of Bob’s harder days it was Cooper who could bring out a smile and childlike play in Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jan; his son, Scot (Caren) Westendorf; his daughter, Lori (Mel) Mortimer; his son, Troy (Brenda) Westendorf; his daughter, Jodi (Jason) Marino; his grandchildren, Ruth Holt, Tasha (David) Mitchell, Jared Mortimer, Breanna (Coty) Thompson, Justice Marino, Natalie Westendorf, Jordan Westendorf, Jace (Melissa) Marino, Robby Westendorf, his great-grandson, Cooper Thompson; his brother, Roger (Audrey) Westendorf; his sister, Shirley Marlow; his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as many dear family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Westendorf and Irma Whitnable; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Lavonne Westendorf; and his brother-in-law, Tom Ouverson.

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