Obituary

Robert Joseph Conley, “Bob”, 77, passed away Saturday, August 10th, 2024. Bob spent his final days at the Kavanagh Hospice House. He displayed bravery, stoicism and grace navigating the many obstacles and challenges that accompany ALS. He was ever ready with a quip to make everyone around him laugh and feel at ease.

Bob was born on November 15th, 1946, in Des Moines, IA, to Joseph and Genevieve (Cunningham) Conley. He was their third of nine children (four boys and five girls). He was educated at St. Augustin's, Sacred Heart and Dowling Catholic High School of the Des Moines area. He attended Loras College and was an alumnus of the United States Army War College. After serving in the Vietnam war, Bob was awarded many distinguished honors, most notably two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

He married Martha Jane Wellman on June 2nd, 1973 at St. Augustin’s chapel in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by their families. They went on to have three children, whilst building an over 50 year career in hospitality/hotels and real estate. From the beginning at the Des Moines Hyatt House, Hotel Fort Des Moines, Ramada and Holiday Inn Corporations. Eventually, Bob’s career moved them back home to Des Moines, IA, where they began their own hospitality company, RJConley Hotel Group. Bob partly and wholly owned many properties along the way, but most well-known is the Holiday Inn Downtown Des Moines. Bob shared his big spirit and broad talents with countless organizations, including the following: Co-Founder of Friendly Sons of St Patrick in Des Moines, Shrimp Club, Century Club, EOFBC, Disabled American Veterans, Za Ga Zig Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Reciprocity Club, Rotary of Des Moines (including the “controversial: Bad Boys of Rotary”). He also was a serving board member of: Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Mercy Foundation and Hospice of Central Iowa, to name a few.

Bob is survived by his wife, Martha, children, Grace Brick (David), Joseph M. Conley II, Gretchen Todahl (Grant), grandchildren; Genevieve & Elizabeth Brick, Madeleine Conley; siblings, Cay Plummer (Leo), Brian Conley (Mary), Patricia Millin (Michael), Terri McDermott (Alan), Jean Jones (Steve), countless beloved relatives and friends he considered ‘family’, as well as his devoted team at the RJConley Hotel Group.

Preceding him in death are his parents and siblings: Ray, Paul, and Joan.

Services for Bob will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 17th, 2024 at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church in Des Moines Iowa. A reception will immediately follow at the Holiday Inn Downtown, Top of the Tower. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to the following: ALS research, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or EveryStep Hospice-Kavanagh House.

Bob Conley Has Left The Building. He will be profoundly missed.

Robert's service will be livestreamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 1:00pm Saturday and scroll to the bottom of his obituary for the link to join the service.


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