Obituary

Rev. Robert ‘Bob’ Aubrey, 79, died at his home in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday September 1, 2024. His burial was held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Timothy Cemetery in Reno, IA. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30am Thursday September 19, 2024 at St. Joseph Church in Des Moines.

He was born April 9, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA to George Aubrey and Regina Stets Aubrey.

Fr. Bob’s calling was manifested at an early age and was nurtured at St. Charles Seminary Catonsville MD beginning in 1959, followed by attending St. Mary’s Paca Street Seminary in Baltimore MD, and St. Mary’s Seminary Roland Park, MD. He was ordained by Bishop George Guilfoyle on May 22, 1971. From 1971 until 1982 he served in the Diocese of Camden, NJ. In 1982 he moved to Iowa, where he served as pastor and hospital chaplain. He incardinated to the Diocese of Des Moines on January 1, 1987.

In 1982, Fr. Bob was named pastor of St. Patrick in Massena, IA and St. Timothy in Reno, IA. He served as Pastor in Glenwood, IA from 1987 until 1994. In 1994, he spent a year in Clinical Pastoral Education preparing him for ministry as a hospital chaplain. He served the parish of St. John in Cumming, IA from 1996 until 2001, when he began full-time ministry as a hospital chaplain in the Des Moines Metro hospitals. Fr. Bob retired in 2011 and continued to minister in parishes and hospitals.

Throughout his ministry, Fr. Bob had the ability to bring peace to the suffering, guidance to his parishioners, and God’s Word and love to all. He lived everyday full of joy and as a faithful and humble servant of Our Lord. He celebrated the Liturgy with passion and joy and his homilies were full of meaning, “Wisdom....be attentive."

Fr. Bob had a passion for music and enjoyed classical music. While in the seminary, he taught himself how to play the organ, and even built his own harpsicord. He fused his love of music with the Liturgy and was a strong practitioner of including music in the Celebration of Mass. His booming baritone voice let everyone know Fr. Bob was in the house.

He was an incredible cook and enjoyed preparing gourmet meals and baking extraordinary cheesecakes and bread. Fr. Bob believed that food brought people together and he was a gracious host, making everyone feel at home while sharing the joy of a wonderful meal together.

Fr. Bob loved to travel, and in the 1990s would often make road trips with Ballou, his Newfoundland “puppy” who filled up more of the car than he did. Fr. Bob’s calm demeanor and loving nature were reflected in Ballou, who was his constant companion, and the unofficial “ambassador” of the rectory. When he retired, Fr. Bob travelled throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, took cruises, and organized a yearly family reunion with his siblings and their spouses at various destinations.

He is survived by his brothers, George Aubrey (Betty) of Cumming, GA, and Richard Aubrey (Carrie) of Haddon Township, NJ, and his nieces and nephews: Cindy Lhotta, Rob Rozanski, Maria Amdor, John Rozanski, Melanie Watson, Zachary Aubrey, and Eric Aubrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Regina Aubrey.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Diocese of Des Moines Priest Pension, or a memorial of your choice in Rev. Bob Aubrey’s name. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. A link will appear on Aubrey’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where you may also leave online condolences. https://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/


Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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