Robert (Bob) Charles Pearce

Robert (Bob) Charles Pearce

Winfield

“I am too good looking to die!”, a statement Dad used to reassure us kids if we were ever worried about his mortality. Robert (Bob) Charles Pearce, 78, of Winfield, Iowa slipped away to be with Jesus December 15th, 2024 at home just as we promised he would.

Bob was born on January 18th, 1946 to his single mother, Yvonne Fritze, in Charles City, Iowa. He was blessed with a loving sister, Rita Kay, and a fun, very dedicated brother, Jerry. Yvonne later married Harry Pearce, who then gave all three children his last name. The family lived in Nashua, Iowa for the first seven years of Bob’s life, then moved to Charles City where he attended and graduated from high school. High school allotted Bob many opportunities; including setting school records in track (still holding some of those records today) and being recruited to play football for Wayne State. After two football seasons at Wayne State, Bob transferred to Upper Iowa; unfortunately, knee issues ended his football career early. Robert received his Bachelor of Art Degree at Mercy College. Later in life, Bob went back to college and graduated from the University of Iowa with his Master’s in Psychology.

In 1975, Bobby (as some family members called him) met Jeannie (Steiner) Fitzsimmons and her daughter Jennifer. The family was officially joined together on April 2nd, 1977 and added a son, Joshua Benjamin Pearce, May 20th, 1978 to complete their Dream Team. The family planted their roots in Winfield, Iowa in 1978. Bob & Jeannie were later divorced.

Robert began his adult career as a Correctional Officer at Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility in 1977. It was here that Bob continued his education and eventually became the facilities Psychologist; he worked within the State of Iowa Prison System for 30 years. As the years progressed, Robert became a college professor, teaching at: Southeastern Community College, Iowa Wesleyan College, Western Illinois University and Carl Sandberg College; finally fully retiring in 2010.

Through the years, Bob enjoyed playing golf, going to Green Bay for Packers games, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, coaching, cooking (just the meat), being with friends and loving his family. Robert didn’t know a stranger! He has been a rock to many, a helping hand to some and a friend that became family to most. If you were lucky enough to know Bob most likely you loved him and he you; once you were important to him you were ALWAYS important to him!

Robert was a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend! However his REAL dedication was to God… he believed, he shared, he loved and honored his faith ALWAYS!

Robert is survived by: his daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Lemke of Winfield, Iowa, his son, Joshua (Melissa) Pearce of Table Grove, Ill., and his grandchildren: Kasey (Cierra) Wade, Kelsie (Casey) Ball, KarlieAnn (Stephen) Hunter, Kara Wade, Konner Wade, Tristan, Taylor, and Tanner Pearce. He also had the pleasure of knowing and spoiling his four great-grandchildren: Mariah, Laney, Toby, and Tripp Wade.

Preceding him in death: his mother, Yvonne Pearce, sister Rita Pearce, brother Jerry Pearce, his Grandfather Charlie Fritze, and many aunts, uncles and special friends.

Family was available Tuesday, December 17th from 4-6 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, Winfield, Iowa; followed by a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established to lay Bob to rest and spread the Word of God!