The Life of ROBERT JOHN WALLACE
Robert J. (Bob) Wallace, 87, passed away January 17, 2013, at Bishop Drumm Retirement and Care Center.
Bob was born in Chicago, IL, June 7, 1925, to Walter and Agnes Wallace. The family moved to Des Moines in 1939, and Bob graduated from West High School in 1943. He then served in the United States Army during World War II.
Bob married Virginia Peterson and they were blessed with two children, R. James and Nancy. Bob worked at Hiland and Borden Dairies and retired after many years with the Postal Service. He was a member of Highland Park Christian Church and the ROMEO Club. He was also a member of Highland Park Post 374 American Legion for 68 years, serving as Commander, District Commander, and State Vice-Commander. Bob had the privilege to be a part of the Honor Flight in 2009 to pay tribute to our WWII veterans. He was a 50-year volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. Bob was a jokester and will be remembered as someone who had an infectious grin and loved to laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son, Jim (Teresa) of Clive; daughter, Nancy (Douglas) Gulick of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Andrew (Jocelyn) Wallace of Waukee; granddaughter, Lori (Ted) Vander Heiden of Winterset; and great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Travis, and Tyler Vander Heiden and Adam and Lauren Wallace. He is also survived by a sister, Jean (Richard) Fagan of Mulberry Grove, IL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Walter.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 21, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, with burial following at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.