Robert Melvin Burggraaf

Robert Melvin Burggraaf

Robert Melvin Burggraaf

Robert Melvin Burggraaf
December 24, 1919 – September 30, 2014
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 94

Robert Burggraaf, 94 of New Sharon passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 30, 2014, at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella. Robert Melvin Burggraaf, the son of Walter and Clarissa Leola (Patton) Burggraaf, was born on December 24, 1919, near Union Mills in Union Township in Mahaska County, Iowa.

Bob attended McMains Country School. Following country school, Bob helped his father on the family farm near New Sharon. On February 25, 1940, Bob was united in marriage to Bonita “Bonnie” McCaulley at the New Sharon Assembly of God Church. To this union five children were born, Bob, Rozann, Terry, Kevin and Bonita.

A life time farmer, Bob farmed in the New Sharon, Eddyville and Cedar areas. He also worked construction in the winter months and was a night watchman for William Penn University for over 25 years.

A man of deep faith in God, Bob and Bonnie did mission projects in Arizona and North Dakota and they also raised 23 foster children. To this day, many of those children still refer to Bob as dad or grandpa. Bob had a passion for music and he took great pride when his children participated in it. Bob had a servant’s heart and was always looking for ways to help people. Bob and Bonnie supported Teen Challenge in Colfax and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union “WCTU”. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and a lifetime member of the Assembly of God Church; where he was very active serving as a Deacon, teaching Sunday School along with Bonnie, having nursery duty and serving as a Board Member when they built the new church in Oskaloosa.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 74 years, Bonnie Burggraaf of New Sharon; children: Bob (& Helen) Burggraaf of Park Hills, MO, Rozann Burggraaf of New Sharon, Kevin (& Cynthia) Burggraaf of Johnston, Bonita (& Dennis) Moore of New Sharon; a daughter-in-law, Irma Burggraaf (wife of Terry), of Charlotte, North Carolina; nine grandchildren: Sherry Kernan, Tammy (& Brandon) McDaniel, Darin (& Shonda) Burggraaf, Michael (& Sarah) Burggraaf, Angie (& Kali) Kwashie, Aaron (& Kaci) Moore, Jackie Burggraaf, Katherine (& Sam) Grasso and Kelly Burggraaf; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Betty Burggraaf of Bettendorf; numerous foster children, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Terry Burggraaf; and a brother, Russell Burggraaf.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at the New Sharon Assembly of God Church.
Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery at Union Mills.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm on Friday, October 3, 2014, at the New Sharon Assembly of God Church with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church “building fund” or the New Sharon Fire and Rescue.

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