Robert "Bob" Pender

Robert â€œBobâ€ Eugene Pender, age 73, of Alta, Iowa died December 30, 2013 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Robert â€œBobâ€ Eugene Pender was born August 15, 1940 in Storm Lake Iowa, the son of Arthur and Marjorie (Brisbois) Pender. Bob was baptized at the Methodist Church in Schaller, Iowa in 1940. Growing up, he attended school in Schaller, where he later graduated in 1959. In 1964, Bob was united in marriage to Ann Kirby, in which he became the proud father of Sallie and Shane. Bob had many humorous stories growing up on the farm, especially with the Naberhaus boys. Some of the highlights included: the trip down the Missouri River with Roger Wiese to New Orleans (they made it to Decatur, Nebraska), riding in the 40 horse hitch in Zearing, Iowa, working a year building the new windmills in Alta, trips to Las Vegas, working in the oilfields out west, driving courier routes and transporting residents at Wel-Life. Bob returned to Alta and became the petroleum manager at AgLand Co-Op. Bob married Karen Underwood on February 2, 1980 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. He then inherited two step-sons (Ron and Brian) who loved him like a dad. They spent 21 years operating the Depot Steakhouse, where many memories were made. Bob was very active in his community. He served on the Buena Vista County Fair Board, was a member of the Alta Fire Department, Masonic Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, and church board member. He was the chief inviter to â€œaloneâ€ people to the big Depot Thanksgiving dinner, where his famous prime rib and barbeque ribs were served. Bob was a busy and unique man who loved to make people laugh. His hobbies included raising rabbits, planting 100 pounds of potatoes for the Depot, working in his shop, and growing sunflowers. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Karen Pender of Alta, Iowa; children: Sallie (John) Fitzpatrick of Peterson, Iowa; Shane (special friend, Hayley) of Kansas City, Missouri; Ron Underwood of Platte City, Missouri; Brian Underwood of Alta, Iowa; brothers: Lloyd (Lynn) Pender of Saginaw, Michigan; Thomas Pender of Eldridge, Iowa; grandchildren: Jadeyn Pender of Peterson, Iowa; Taylor Campbell of Medford, Oregon; Jamison (Courtney) Underwood of Coalville, Iowa; Sara Underwood of Hampton, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Emily Underwood; sisters-in-law: Phyllis (Norm) Peterson of Ames, Iowa; Rose Mallison of Gowrie, Iowa; LuAnn (Jim) Suchan of Gowrie, Iowa; Mary Anderson of Las Vegas, Nevada; many cousins, nephews, nieces; extended family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Marjorie Pender; parents-in-law, Everett and Arlene Anderson; granddaughter, Angela Underwood; brother in law, Dennis Anderson; and his grandparents.

Robert "Bob" Pender

August 15, 1940 - December 30, 2013