Dear Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss and keeping you in my prayers. I couldn't find this photo when I wanted it most. I just found it and still wanted to share it with you. All four superintendents visited my grandson Mick's Big Treehouse. Dr. Mick Jurgensen is now in his 20th year as Principal at Rogers Elementary and the Big Treehouse is still his hobby.

Dear Shirl,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lots of good memories. Am so glad I was able to chat with you as my son and I wheeled through Iowa City a few weeks ago. Am taking advantage of this method of reaching you, as I'm not sure I have your latest address.

Much love to you.

Dearest Shirley,

Shirley. we have been thinking of you and your family these past few days

and of the very special person who has long been a part of it. The picture

is wonderful! It says many things.

Mary Wessels

Approximately twenty years ago, when Bob was one of the board members of the Estes Park Art Center, who hired me to be its Director, with a twinkle in his blue eyes, he asked me, "Did anyone tell you about Donut Haus?" I replied, "No." He said, "That's the best place for donuts. One of your most important duties will be to stop and pick up donuts before every board meeting."

Dr. Robert McFarland was one of the finest educators in Iowa history. It was a professional privilege and personal honor to serve and work with Dr. "Bob."

Please accept my condolence and peace be with Shirley and family.

He gave me the job at Lenihan Jr. High by shaking my hand. I think I worked for 2 months before being paid. I always teased him that my word was good, I sure hoped his was. He never forgot that. Later I was names principal at Glick Elementary. Dr. McFarland's mother was one of the first principals at Glick . I loved it that I shared some history with the family being an administrator in Marshalltown. Marshalltown has always remained part of my "family" in my heart.

Julia Messersmith Taylor

Shirley and Family, on behalf of the entire Peglow family, we wish you our most sincere condolences. The McFarland family was held in such high esteem and our family friendship is lasting decades. Bob was a great man and tremendous influence on countless of us through the years. God speed and have strength through this difficult time. John Peglow

I not only remember Dr McFarland as superintendent of schools growing up in Marshalltown , but years later had the opportunity to help care for him at Bickford Cottage in Iowa City but also at Iowa City Rehab. He was such a kind and gentle man and his family was always there for him. Shirl , Sandy and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

You and your family are in my prayers.

I feel so honored to have met Bob, you guys. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sandy, my thoughts are with you.

-Matthew

"Dr. Bob" was the superintendent when I was hired in 1979, to teach for the Marshalltown Community School District. I was always amazed and honored that no matter where he saw me around town, he always called me by name! He visited the schools where I taught and loved talking to the students. I remember one day he "popped in" at Fisher Elementary and helped my students make orange smoothies! His leadership and vision were extraordinary. I was blessed to have worked for him- Rest Eternal, good and faithful Servant.

Dear Shirley and family;

With our sympathy to you and your family. Cherish your many "Bob"

Memories--- May God Bless.

Sincerely,

Duane & Erma Meyer

(Parents of Perry & Randy)

Dear Shirley & family: I just wanted to offer my condolences at the death of Bob. He was the first Superintendent that hired me out of college. I came to teach at MHS in the fall of 1970 and he was always so nice to me. My wife Kathy also taught in the Marshalltown system for 23 years.

I was in Rotary with Bob and we had many great visits about various activities that were happening, both in the school and community, during our time there. We also played golf together at Elmwood.

Bob was a good friend of my father, Dick Lashier, who was also a Superintendent of Schools and they even attended several Big City Superintendent Meetings together.

I know Bob loved the Drake Relays and loved to snow ski. I know you will all miss him terribly and I just wanted to let you know that he was always very kind to me and a great leader for the Marshalltown School System. Jack Lashier

Wishing much sympathy to Shirl, Pat and the entire McFarland Family at this difficult time.

The funny grin on his face, the twinkle in his eyes, the love of his family, those are the things I remember. He meant the world to his sister. He did so much for so many. My heart hurts with all of you. Know that I am thinking of you and send my love to all of you.

I would like to extend my sympathy to Sandra and her family at this time. It was a true joy to know Dr. McFarland. I am currently in Milwaukee studying for the priesthood, so I will be unable to attend the services. I send my thoughts, love, and prayers.

So very sorry for you and your family's loss Ariana! Your grandfather had many accomplishments and I know you are proud and will miss him greatly. Much love to you and the family during this time. Kathy Detroy Stachel

I'm so sorry for your loss Shirley, Sandy, Patty, and Bobby. Neighbors growing up, McFarlands are in many of my childhood memories. You know....the good old days...thinking of you all.

Dr. McFarland was there to give me my start in education. I taught at Fisher elementary and had the pleasure of teaching "Bobbie". As I remember him he was a care free child. I remember Dr. McFarland told me that they found my notes sent home with Bobbie hidden in the garage. We both had a chuckle over this.

To Sandy, Pat, and Robert, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you now and in the coming days. God bless you all. I know your father and mother had to be so proud of all of you. Take care.

So sorry Sandy. My thoughts are with you

Shirl and family,

We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My parents (Grant and Margaret Peterson) were special friends of yours and Bob touched all our lives with graciousness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr McFarland's passing. He was the principle at MF when I was in high school from 1956 to 1959. I did office work for him. He was one of my favorite teachers. By his picture, he hasn't changed at all in appearance. May God bless you his family and I will keep you in my prayers. Mary Ann Easton

We lived across the street on Meadow Lane when my children were small. Bob and Shirl were wonderful friends and like grandparents to Dusty and Katie. I have so many wonderful memories of the two of them (and Shane!) and have recently been trying to find them. I am heart-broken that I did not track them down before Bob's death. MY love to you, Shirl, and my heartfelt sympathy to you and the family.

we remember bob with great affection. as a supt. of schools, he was outstanding. bob always,always had the best interest of the students at the forefront and mentored others to do the same. his caring demeanor served him well both as a leader and a friend -he left his ego at home. he loved marshalltown and the marshalltown schools. along with his wonderful wife shirley, we consider them special friends! we will miss him. marl and gretchen ramsey