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Robert Wallace Obituary

Robert O. Wallace "Bob"

Des Moines

Bob Wallace, 89, passed away peacefully August 4, at Kavanagh House on 56th Street. He was born in Des Moines, IA on April 6, 1924 to Elmer and Marie Wallace. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942. Bob entered into active military service with the Army Air Corps in May 1943. Bob married Doreen "Dody" Moreland, December 18, 1943 at Jefferson Barracks, MO. Bob and Dody were married 51 years. Two years after Dody's passing in 1994, Bob met Marjorie Zarley and they were married August 31, 1996. Bob and Marge enjoyed 17 years of marriage and spent their later years together at Scottish Rite Park.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Chan Wallace (Marty) of Altoona; his daughter, Connie Withey (Bill) of Des Moines. Grandchildren include: Brian Nicholson (Jen) of Woodbury, MN; Sarah Kessinger (Tom) of Everett, WA; Chris Wallace (Danielle) of Altoona; and five great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his step-children: Deborah Beres (Jim); Craig Zarley (Debra); Marcia Taylor (John); and Lori Lawson (Dave).

Bob worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years. He had a life long love of sailing, golf and traveling with friends. He was a member of Gnemeth Lodge and the Scottish Rite. Bob and Marge were active members of Wakonda Christian Church and the Des Moines Gyros Club.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Wakonda Christian Church with family receiving visitors starting at 1 p.m. A private interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wakonda Christian Church, Scottish Rite Park, or HCI Care Services.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Tim White

August 26, 2013

Bob was an important person in my life starting in the early 1950's. I'm sure he is in Heaven now sitting in his easy chair with a bowl of M&M's at his side and a James Bond novel in his lap.

Bob was quite the avid sailor on our family trips to Clear Lake and Okoboji.My favorite words of wisdom from Bob as a kid was "duck we are coming about".

Will miss you Bob.

Paula Foster

August 7, 2013

My mom lives at Scottish Rite Park, now in residential care, and knew both Bob & Marjorie and I got to know them as well. We are so sorry for the your loss with both of them, so very, very sad. They were wonderful people.

Doug Drake

August 6, 2013

I have many years of memories of Bob at the Urbandale Golf and Country Club.
Super guy and my sincere condolences to the entire family especially Chan who was my insurance client many yrs. ago.

Dave Stokka

August 6, 2013

RIP Mr. Wallace. Never met you, but if Chan is an indicator of your character (and, he is) you were quite a man. Bless your family.

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