Rev. Robert R. Elfvin Obituary

Robert Roger Elfvin, 79, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away August 14, 2024, at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center. Robert was born January 25, 1945, in Charleston, South Carolina, to parents Donald and Gloria Elfvin. A memorial service will be held September 14, 2024, 11:00 AM, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 3424 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311. A reception will follow at the church.

Growing up Robert lived in South Carolina, Connecticut, Indiana, Ohio, and New York. He attended Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio, where he played clarinet in the marching band. He graduated from Jamestown High School in Jamestown, New York. After high school he attended Jamestown Community College, John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he met his future wife, Karon Kerber. After graduation Robert and Karon were married March 5, 1966. In September of 1966 he went to seminary at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut. While in New Haven, their first son, Stephen, was born. After graduating from seminary, Robert was the assistant pastor at Christ Episcopal Church in Lima, Ohio, where he was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1970. Their second son, David, was born in Lima. After 2 years in Lima, he went to Findlay, Ohio, where he was the rector at Trinity Episcopal Church for 7 years. Their third son, Jared, was born in Findlay. In 1978, Robert became the rector at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Des Moines, Iowa, until he retired as a canon of the Diocese of Iowa in 2009. Their fourth son, John, was born in Des Moines.

Robert was very devoted to his work as a pastor of 40 years. As a life-long student and teacher, he was passionate about philosophy, theology, science, and sailboats. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the family lake house in Ely, Minnesota, where he practiced his sailing skills. Robert found the most creative solutions to his endless do-it-yourself projects, including rebuilding his van grille from cereal boxes and spray paint, to the embarrassment of his children.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Gloria, sisters-in-law, Linda Kerber and Nancy Strauss, and a nephew, Patrick Kerber. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karon; sons Stephen (Suzanne), David (Nikelle), Jared (Christina), and John; his siblings Bruce (Jackie), Donald, Jessie, and Sam; his grandchildren Trevor, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Alexander, Gracie, and Grant. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Lee Kerber and Thomas (Alice) Kerber along with eleven nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided in the last 6 months of Robert's life.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations for Robert can be made to: St Luke's Episcopal Church or Food Bank of Iowa.


ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES DUNN'S CHAPEL

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