Robert L. Eppens
March 2, 1933 to March 28, 2019
Robert Lawrence Eppens, 86, of Decorah passed away on March 28, 2019, at Wellington Place in Decorah due to complications from a broken hip.
Bob was born on March 2, 1933, to Robert Paul Eppens and Florence (Lawrence) Eppens in Calmar, IA. He graduated from Calmar High School in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for Basic Training, and served as an Air Policeman at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, NY, then Newfoundland, Canada, and Colville, WA during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956.
Bob married Rosalyn McIntire, daughter of Lenn McIntire and Margaret (Vine) McIntire, on January 18, 1953, at the Congregational Church in Decorah, IA. They were blessed with five children and celebrated 66 years of marriage together.
Following his discharge from the Air Force in 1956, Bob went into business with his brother-in-law, Charles Ohlert, starting Chuck and Bob’s Milling Service in Calmar, IA. He was later acting Post Master in Calmar for a year and a half. He then became a police officer in Decorah for 30 years. He retired from the police force in March 1995.
Bob was a legion commander for the American Legion in Calmar, and was a member of the VFW, Lions Club, and Commercial Club, as well as a member of the Great Lights Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He was a very active member in the Methodist Church in Calmar and the Congregational Church in Decorah. In 1994, Bob and Rosie joined the Methodist Church in Decorah.
Following his retirement, he enjoyed working with his lathe making wooden bowls and lamps, photography, gardening, and going for drives.
Bob is survived by his wife Rosalyn, of Decorah; his five children, Larry Eppens of Minneapolis, MN, Bob (Tammy) Eppens of Ogden, UT, Linda (Jeff) Rodman of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin Eppens of Ankeny, IA, and Lori Ernest of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Ashleigh (Billy) Haas, David (Suzy) Eppens, Ben Rodman, Jon Rodman, Emily Eppens, Elissa (fiancé Evan Koehler) Eppens, and Nicole Eppens; great grandchildren William Haas, Jane Haas, Eliza Eppens, and Lily Eppens; brother Richard Eppens of Calmar, IA, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence Eppens, and his sisters, Edna Mae (Charles) Ohlert and Faye (Donald) Brandt.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 302 West Broadway Street, Decorah, with Rev. Hyeunmee Kang officiating. Burial will be in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah, with Military Honors.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, with Masonic rights given at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will continue Wednesday after 10:00 a.m., one hour before services, at First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101 or a charity of your choice.
