Robert C. “Bob” Takes

Robert C. “Bob” Takes, age 67 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Bob’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

 

Bob was born on May 30, 1952, in Dubuque, one of eleven children to Lawrence and Betty (Stokes) Takes.  He spent his formative years growing up in Farley, Iowa before joining the U.S. Marine Corps right after graduation.  He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and even reupped to complete 2 tours before returning home to Dubuque to find the love of his life, Rita Weidenbacher.  He was united in marriage to his beautiful bride on May 25, 1974 at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque and they were eventually blessed with 3 children, and 45 wonderful years together which Bob always took great pride in.  He loved his country, but he undeniably loved his family even more.  His wife and kids never doubted for one second that they were his top priority in life and when the grandkids began to arrive, they quickly learned that Grandpa had a special place in his heart just for them also and that his gentleness would only grow larger just as they did. 

 

Bob provided for his family by investing over 28 years of his working career as a crane operator with ConAgra-Peavy in Dubuque.  Always giving his best was a character trait Bob embraced fully and his performance at work was no exception.  He ran the crane as if it were an extension of his own body and keeping the river traffic moving was never a concern when Bob was at the helm.  When the workday had ended you could quite often find Bob enjoying a little serenity right out his own backdoor tending to his yard, enjoying the wildlife in the timber he had planted years earlier, or even watching his German Shepherds run free.  He appreciated the opportunity to never have to leave the property for his yearly morel hunts, but would gladly venture out and about if a little time fishing on the water became a possibility, or if hunting season had opened and some fresh morning air with family and friends was a clear and obvious decision to be made.

 

Bob’s sudden physical absence from our lives has left a collection of broken hearts behind which may never fully mend.  His love was true, his words were honest, his heart was kind and his mission was grand.  To create the best life he could for those he adored and to continually be true to himself.  The Lord has decided to call home one of the good ones much to quickly for our minds to comprehend or understand, but we know and trust that Bob is surely at peace now from his earthly confines at that he can now thankfully enjoy perfect peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior until we meet again.  We love you, we miss you, but most importantly Bob, we thank you for simply being you!  God Speed Good Sir, God Speed!

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bob include,

 

his loving wife of 45 years,

Rita Takes, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his 3 children,

Rita (special friend Michael) Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa,

Larry “Tiger” (Tiffanie) Takes, Dubuque, Iowa,

and Robert “Bob” (Jenny) Takes, Sherrill, Iowa;

 

his 5 adored grandchildren,

Kolton Schmitt, Karter Schmitt, Brianna Takes, Nora Takes and Aiden McCombs;

 

his siblings,

Mark (Patty) Takes,

Helen McKeon,

Lois Zaph,

Shirley (Jim) Delancy,

Irene Ahlers,

Rita Takes,

Barb (Dan) Steffen,

and Martha (Dave) Timmer;

 

along with numerous family and friends.

 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his brother, Gene Takes; his sister, Mary Lehman; his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Jean Weidenbacher; and his brother-in-law, Tim Weidenbacher.

 

Bob’s family would like to thank the Sherrill Fire Department, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and in the Mercy E.R. for all of their compassion, support and kindness.  We cannot thank you all enough for your professional and personal generosities.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

To celebrate Bob’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

13 comments on “Robert C. “Bob” Takes
  1. Bill McKeon says:

    Bob will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

  2. Dino welbes says:

    Rita and Family,
    My deepest sympathy for your loss, may he rest in peace. Love, Dino Welbes

  3. Sarah (Urbain) Ells says:

    I Great man gone to soon! My thoughts and prayers to Rita and all of the Takes family.

  4. stacy smith says:

    The Takes were my dads extended family. On Be behalf of Sidney “Sid” Smith and his family. We are all thinking of you and extend our most heartfelt love.

  5. Hillary Koetz says:

    We are so sorry to hear of your dads passing Bob and Jen and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the wonderful memories you have help give you peace.

  6. Connie Lehman says:

    Rita I am so sorry you lost Bob. I know he was the love of your life. May you find peace in your memories. Please pass my condolences on to your children and grandchildren.

  7. Condolences to Bob Takes family on their loss.

  8. Deb and Ken Kennedy says:

    Rita and Family, Our deepest sympathies for your loss.

  9. Don Diech says:

    So sorry to hear of your lose. Prays with you and your family. Your old friend, Don Deich, Jr.

  10. Steve and Karen Klinkhammer says:

    Steve and I would like to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  11. Carla Ernst says:

    I am so sorry to hear about Bob. Call if you need anything.

  12. Kenny Stoltz says:

    Sorry for your loss.

  13. Daryl & Dianne Kamp says:

    Rita & Family; So sorry to hear about Bob; Have Our Deepest Sympathy! Will be Thinking of You.

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