Robert "Bob" Darling

Robert “Bob” Darling, 89, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Mason City, Iowa. He was born on June 4, 1927, in Jefferson, Minnesota, the son of Lysander and Clara (Meyers) Darling. Bob attended high school in New Albin, Iowa.

Bob was united in marriage to Dixie Mae Irons in 1951. Four children were blessed to this union. They later divorced. On November 6, 1967, Bob was united in marriage to Dorothy Wilhelm. She preceded him in death in 2001.  

Bob joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following discharge from the Navy, he worked as an inseminator in the Charles City and Strawberry Point areas.

Bob was an avid baseball and softball fan, even serving as an umpire for the sports he loved. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching the birds and squirrels in his backyard.

Survivors include Bob’s four children, Gary (Jill) Darling of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jean (Mike) Hauan of Manly, Vicki Richardson of Mason City, and Susan (Mike) Martin of Hartford, Vermont; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, Elton Darling of New Albin; and special friend, Mary Meyer.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Darling; his parents; his brothers, Vernon, Douglas “John,” Melvin “Dag,” and Tom; his sisters, Lillian in infancy, Margareta “Bunny”, Elsie, Virginia, Vivian, and Belva; and one grandson, Steven “Stevie” Smith.

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