Obituary

Robert W. “Bob” Parker, 75, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. The service will begin at 11am, with visitation at 10am. The service will be live streamed. The link can be found at https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/funeral-livestream/. Interment will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, near Van Meter, Iowa.

Bob was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on May 5, 1950, to Wayne “Babe” and Madelyn (Freese) Parker. He was raised in Treynor, Iowa and graduated from Treynor High School, class of 1968. Following high school, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and faithfully served his country from 1968-1970. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to live in Treynor and later in Council Bluffs. He worked for O’Keefe and Otis Elevator and retired in 2008 after 38 years. Five days later, he started working for the State of Iowa and worked for 10 years as an elevator inspector. This position allowed them to relocate to Johnston, Iowa in 2015, which brought them closer to their children and grandchildren.


On May 29, 1976, he was united in marriage to Kris (Schweer) Parker. They raised two sons, Jay and Joel. Bob was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and veteran. He supported his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was known for his many stories and jokes, being a hard worker, and helping others. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, being with his grandchildren, dinners and happy hours with friends, traveling, live music, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kris; sons, Jay (Annika) Parker of Urbandale, Iowa and Joel (Kristin) Parker of Johnston; four grandchildren Jaren, Adelyn (with whom Bob shared a birthday), Alyssa, and Caleb Parker; two sisters, Marsha (Roger) Andersen of Treynor and Diane (Gary) Godfrey of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brothers-in-law, John (Jacqueline) Schweer Jr. of Rossville, Tennessee, Rod Behrens of Council Bluffs, and Rob Schweer of Council Bluffs; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Marjorie (Vaught) Schweer, father-in-law, John Schweer Sr., and sister-in-law, Cindy (Schweer) Behrens.

Memorials can be directed to the family for a future designation. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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