Obituary of Robert J. Mellecker

Robert J. Mellecker, 88 formerly of the Hills area died Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Parkview Manor Care Center in Wellman. Graveside services will be held at 2pm Sunday, August 16, 2020, at St. Stanislaus Cemetery near Hills, where Military Honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Hills, Hospice Compasses, or the Honor Flight Program. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Robert Joseph Mellecker was born October 4, 1931, in rural Johnson County, Iowa the son of Cletus and Rita (Rummelhart) Mellecker. Following high school Robert joined the United States Army serving his country during the Korean Conflict. Returning from service he farmed and worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. He also worked on the grounds crew for the University of Iowa for over 15 years. On April 27, 1968, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Hamilton. In retirement Robert worked at Finkbine Golf Course for a number of years, collecting thousands of golf balls. Bob was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hills. He enjoyed woodworking making beautiful clocks, shelves, golf ball and marble rolling toys for many family members and friends. Bob also cherished his time hunting and fishing, especially with his brother, Leo. His family includes his wife, Kathy; their children, Debbie Diederichsen (Robert), and Andrew Mellecker; grandchildren, Aryn “Sarah” Llane Mellecker, Stephanie Leigh Mellecker, Allene Marie Shapiro, Jonathan Edward Shapiro, and Briana Marie Diederichsen; sisters, Cathy Simon, Lois Zeman and Marcia Mellecker; and many nieces and nephews who lovingly adored their Uncle Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Carl Joseph Mellecker, sister, Rosie Cress and brother, Leo Mellecker.