"Bob and Nancy were like an extra set of grandparents growing up for me. I will never forget my many memories of going to Hardees in the morning for breakfast with them and my grandparents,Willard and Marilyn Thompson! You will be greatly missed Bob."
In loving memory of
Robert "Bob" Marlow
October 29, 1926 - June 6, 2021
A funeral service for Bob will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church in Algona. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church in Algona. Burial will at 1:00 PM at the Burt Township Cemetery. The funeral and graveside will be live-streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/oakcrestfuneralservices Memorials can be directed to the Lone Rock Legion or Camp Algona POW Museum. The family requests those who have NOT been vaccinated to wear a mask.
Robert Dell Marlow, age 94, of Algona, IA, died Sunday, June 6, 2021, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center. He was born on a farm near Lone Rock, IA, on Oct. 29, 1926, son of Dell and Lillian Marlow. He grew up on the farm with his five sisters and one brother.
In 1944, Bob graduated from Lone Rock High School. Several months later, he joined the Army and was initially sent to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN. While Bob was on a troop ship headed for Japan, World War II ended, so he was sent to Korea and served there through 1946. After his discharge, Bob returned home to work on the family farm with his father and younger siblings.
Bob married Nancy Ohrtman in Ringsted, IA, on Dec. 21, 1958, and the couple farmed together first near Lone Rock and then west of Burt. They raised four children, teaching them the importance of family and teamwork. Annual family vacations, beanwalking and activities at Lone Rock Presbyterian Church highlighted those years.
Bob and Nancy retired from farming in 1991 and relocated to Algona, IA. In the following years, the couple traveled the U.S., took a memorable trip to Ireland, and made countless trips to visit children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. In 2018, the family's land west of Burt, IA, received a Heritage Award for 150 years in the Marlow name. Bob was a member of the Lone Rock American Legion and was honored for his 75 years of membership this past Memorial Day.
Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children, Brenda (Dale) Oberhelman, Pomeroy, IA, Paula (Guy) Limbeck, Byron, MN, Dan (Chivonne) Decorah, IA, Cindy (Brian) McClenagan, Plainview, TX; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother Jim (Colleen) Marlow and sister Joyce Bausman.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Shirley Arns, Betty Smith, Wilma Bonstead and Doris Dallman.
Tributes
"Nancy, Brenda, Paula, Dan & Cindy families, So very sorry to hear of Bob\'s passing. High school was a \'long\' time ago, but just a note to say I\'m thinking of you and sending my sympathies. What a great, long life he lived. Jim Tigges, Phoenix"
"Everyone misses you, Uncle Bob. The memories of my childhood in Lone Rock are flooding around in my mind. And a lot of them included our Marlow cousins. Uncle Bob and Aunt Nancy had the prettiest farm just outside of town. We spent many a day playing with our cousins on that farm . We?d hang out in the hay mount, walk the field to the creek to look for little fish, and do all the fun things kids could do running around on a farm. I especially recall the Christmas Eve nights we would share with our Aunt and Uncle and cousins. Dad would make oyster stew and we kids would present a play to the adults . I recall one presentation where we hung up a sheet and used flashlights for for lighting. I think a few of us were dancing behind the sheet. Not sure what it had to do with Christmas but it sure was fun! The Marlows are a good family. Thank you Uncle Bob for being such a good brother to my Dad. Cathy Marlow Austin, Texas "
"Our deepest sympathy to Nancy and Family. What a beautiful life together you had and it showed. May all of these wonderful memories remain forever in your hearts. Keep on dancing Nancy, Bob is right there beside you. An old swimming friend. Patty Scobba"
"Such fond memories of our friendship with the Marlows. They were such nice hosts whenever we travelled through their area years back & fun times with them in TX as well. Our sympathies to Nancy & their children as they mourn Bob\'s loss."
"Nancy, Brenda, Paula, Dan & Cindy, I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. He was such a kind person. I will cherish the memories of our families spending time together in Lone Rock. I hope he and Dad & Mom have already reconnected and are catching up. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Peggy (Thompson) Jennings "
"My condolences to family of Bob Marlow. He was my friend and neighbor for many years. He will be missed."