Robert DeBoef
Robert DeBoef
Robert DeBoef
March 25, 1950 – September 16, 2021
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 71
Robert DeBoef, 71, of New Sharon died Thursday, September 16, 2021, at the Iowa Lutheran Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born March 25, 1950, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Earl and Marie Van Kooten DeBoef.
Robert attended Lacey School and then went on to graduate from North Mahaska High School with the Class of 1968. In high school he was active in FFA.
Following graduation, he continued to help on the family farm. In addition to working on the farm, he worked at Clow Valve and later Van’s Feed and Fertilizer. After a few years of working in town, he decided that he would farm full time with his dad. In the 1980’s he went to work at Kelderman Manufacturing, where he has continued to work.
He was a member of the N.R.A. and Mahaska County Pheasants Forever. He enjoyed fishing, especially trips to Canada. He also enjoyed hunting and looked forward to his friends all getting together on opening day of pheasant season every year to hunt. He loved to cruise around the county and just enjoy the views. His favorite “rides” were the ones that ended at a steakhouse with a good prime rib. In his younger years he enjoyed racing his motorcycle in enduro races around southern Iowa. He was always willing to help out family and friends, especially if he could use his mechanic talents to get them out of a bind.
His family includes his wife, Marlis DeBoef of rural New Sharon; daughter, Melissa and Kent Schmidt of Cedar Falls; and their children, Jacob and Joshua Schmidt; daughter, Robbyn and Douglas DeBruin of Oskaloosa; and their children, Anna, Trenton, and Lindsay DeBruin; his mother, Marie DeBoef of Oskaloosa; his sister, Bonnie DeJong of New Sharon; step son, Ben and Danielle Klein of Riverview, Florida; and their children, Kailee, Kraven and Killian; step daughter, Sheila Klein (fiancée Donnie McSparen) of Oskaloosa; and her children, Chase Hougland, Lexi Hougland and her son Zayn Garrett and Shyann Klein; step daughter, Ronda and Joe Locke of Phoenix, Arizona; and their children, Amanda (& Kenny) Ruddell, Nicole (& Steven) Fouts, and Joseph Locke; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Earl; a daughter, Allison DeBoef; and a brother-in-law, Gregory DeJong.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mike Sinnett officiating.
As was Bob’s wish his body has been cremated and burial of his urn will be in the Forest Cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Monday after 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to Mahaska County Conservation Environmental Learning Center or Mahaska County Pheasants Forever.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert DeBoef please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
