Robert J. Pennock, 86, of Clinton, Iowa passed away at home surrounded by his beloved family on December 17th, 2023. Services for Robert (Bob) will be held at Pape Funeral Home, 2308 Pershing Blvd. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 19th, from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm and on Wednesday, December 20th from 9:30 am-10:30 am preceding the funeral service at 10:30 am.
Bob was born on March 12th, 1937 to Myrle and Neva (Garlough) Pennock, in Dewitt, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm in Dewitt along with his two brothers, Ray and Butch. He loved growing up on the farm, it was here he developed his passion for hard work, tinkering and perhaps his perfectly timed use of sarcasm and humor. These qualities were a common thread throughout his whole life.
Bob met the love of his life on a hayrack ride, Linda Ekland, they married on June 2nd, 1957. In September of 1958 they welcomed their first of six children, Blake (Kathy) Pennock, followed by: Kathy (Dave) Windover, Randy (Debbie) Pennock, Doug (Kim) Pennock, Sandy (Brian) Mussman and Nancy (Scott) Houzenga, all of Clinton. Bob and Linda’s family legacy would continue to grow exponentially over their sixty-six years of marriage. Together they proudly welcomed nineteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Bob and Linda’s home served as a gathering place for all of their many family and friends. It was frequently filled to the brim with loved ones who gathered around as there was always something to celebrate in Bob’s life!
Professionally, Bob began his career with Central Steel for thirty one years, eventually becoming the plant manager until their closing. Bob transitioned to Custom Pak where he would be employed for thirty-four years, up until his time of death. Bob also owned the Rollerden Roller Rink for several years. He considered many of his coworkers’ family and created many near lifelong friendships as a result. Bob was always a hard-worker, his job was never done. You would often find him tinkering in the garage to help out a friend, working on a rental house, volunteering his labor and skills to Chancy Lutheran Church, Clinton High School Concessions, or anyone else that needed a hand. Bob, always humble, would consider himself a jack of all trades and a master of none, but to those that knew him he was considered a master of all.
Bob was never too busy to help others, a trait that he proudly passed onto his children. He had many hobbies and held many titles over the years: fisherman, hunter, jokester, slot machine extraordinaire, bowler, boss, leader, handyman, patriarch and card shark just to name a few. Perhaps the titles he was best known and admired for were that of: Husband, Son, Brother, Father (Pops), Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle and friend. He was a devoted family man, dedicating countless hours to support his family and friends in every way. He was someone who would always show up for you. Whether it be a wedding, birthday party, band concert, baseball, volleyball or basketball game or school play… you name it Bob was there proudly cheering you on. To know Bob was to love him. If he didn’t make you laugh, joke with you, or bless you with his witty sarcasm then you probably had never met him!
Bob was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. In honor of his wife Linda, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. May the Lord grant you all peace during this time or sorrow. He sounded like a wonderful man!
I worked with Bob at Central Steel. He was a kind, patient man. He taught me how to weld, which was no easy task. Bob will be greatly missed. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers,
Jon, Purl, Troy, Logan, and Carley Weber
Hazelwood, MO (formerly of Camanche and Clinton. Once an Indian, always an Indian.)
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was very nice & friendly to everyone. Sympathies to his family.
So sorry to hear this! He was such a nice man! Love and hugs to the entire family. Mary Mallinger
Sandy, I wish you grace, mercy, joy, and peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord. Your dad rests from his labors and awaits teh resurrection of the body and the return of Christ. I give you hugs virtually to help you endure this time of sorrow and loss. Hold tight with your family and rejoice in the life your father lived.
I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed.
He will sorely be missed in my life , my condolences. I remember him well growing up, and I always looked up to him. He was funny articulate, and always willing to help.
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I first met Bob about 30 years ago when I worked in Cardiology. I experienced his witty humor first hand and he always said Hi. I know he will be very missed
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Pennock family on the loss of Bob. His remarkable dedication to his family and community is evident and leaves a lasting legacy. May you find comfort in the memories and the strong bonds he fostered within your family. My thoughts are with you during this time of mourning.
I met Bob when my parents moved to Clinton. Starting church at Chancy Luthern.His niece Paula Ekland kinda adopted me as a friend.I was very tiny compared to other children.Then came my parents partially disabled right away they were r church family.My deepest sympathy to the Pennock,Ekland families and friends .
Deepest condolences to the entire Pennock family. From the Stoddard family.
Sending my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all. Bob was a great guy and a great coworker.
I loved my brother for his kindness and quick wit. he was the best familyman
he had the honor of being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather
He will be missed
your sister,
Geri
So sorry for your loss, he always had a smile on his face and a kind word to speak ?
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a truly great man and coworker. He will be missed by so many.
My sympathy to his family.