Robert Rechtenbach, Bridgewater, May 21, 2016

Robert (Bob) Leon Rechtenbach was born Dec. 29, 1935, the son of Earl and Genevieve (Shewman) Rechtenbach in Adair County, Iowa. He passed away on May 21, 2016, at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston, Iowa, after a two day stay, at the age of 80.

Bob graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1954. On May 5, 1957, he was united in marriage to Shirley Bond. To this union a daughter and son were born. 

Right out of high school Bob started working for Capital Bridge Construction. He was known throughout the Midwest as an excellent dragline (crane) operator. Bob’s work took him to Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri on bridge construction sights.

Bob moved back onto the family farm on which he was born in 1992 and retired from construction life in 2003. He enjoyed many years of tinkering on the farm and using his dad’s old Ford tractor, making fence, picking up rocks and such.

Bob devoted himself to Alcoholics Anonymous the last 11 years of his life. He attended meetings, helped other people and made life-long friends.

Bob’s failing health forced him to move into Bridgewater for the last 1 1/2 years of his life. Throughout his health issues, Bob remained positive and viewed every day as a gift.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ernest and Ray; sister-in-law Sally; nephews Thomas Rechtenbach and Joe Siemek; and son-in-law Bill Bartlett.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Lynn Bartlett of Crete, Nebraska; son Richard Rechtenbach and wife Rita of Afton, Wyoming; brother David Rechtenbach and wife Penny of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held May 26, 2016, at Steen Funeral Home, Fontanelle, Iowa, with Pastor Lauri Greenlee officiating.

Music was recorded selections “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn and “In Color” by Jamey Johnson.

Interment was at Fontanelle Cemetery, Fontanelle, Iowa.

The Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle was in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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