BOONE, Iowa—Bob E. Person, 85, of Boone, IA, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Westhaven Community in Boone. A devoted husband, father, teacher, and lifelong photographer, Bob’s legacy will continue to live on through his family, his students, and the countless images he captured over a lifetime behind the lens.
He was born on August 1, 1940, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Lt. Col. Frank D. Person and Dolores (Balluff) Person. As an “Army kid,” he moved frequently throughout his youth, including a formative three-year stay in France where he and his brother learned their prayers and the Rosary in french. Bob saw photographs and negatives drying in a shop and fell in love with photography. To pay for his first camera, Bob made a deal to shine his dad’s military boots for a year. Soon, he photographed and printed photos of his high school Confirmation class. After graduating from Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, VA—where he earned the Kodak Award his senior year—Bob continued his studies at the University of Iowa, completing a double major in Photojournalism and Television and Filmmaking.
Following graduation, Bob made Boone his home, beginning his career at the Boone News Republican, where he photographed sports and news coverages. His passion for teaching soon found a home at the Des Moines Area Community College in Boone (DMACC), where he founded the photography program and journalism classes. He also served several years as faculty advisor for the campus newspaper. For 30 years, Bob inspired students to explore their creativity, mentoring many who went on to successful careers in professional photography and photojournalism. Those who learned from him remember not only his expertise but his humor, patience, and the joy he brought to the classroom.
An accomplished photographer, Bob owned and operated Person Studio for 40 years. His creative eye earned him numerous awards from the Professional Photographers of Iowa, the Professional Photographers of America, and the Progressive Photographers Guild. His portraits of children brought warmth to families across Iowa and even earned him trips to Disney through McKenna Color Lab’s competitions. Between wedding and graduation photos he saw hundreds of families grow, even into their second generation. Bob’s versatile artistry also led him to serve as the official photographer for the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s boys’ basketball and wrestling tournaments. He photographed countless Hawkeye and Cyclone games with his press passes and was an avid Hawkeye fan.
Bob met the love of his life, Lisa Stull, on a blind date. The two married in 1978- after proposing with a photograph he had Lisa develop in the darkroom- beginning a 47-year marriage filled with laughter, shared creativity, and unconditional love. Together they raised two daughters, Nicole and Brooke, who were the pride of his life.
A man of deep faith, Bob was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he taught CCD classes and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Always ready to lend a hand, he helped those in need with compassion and humility. His dedication to service was also recognized by the National Guard, who awarded him a plaque for his photography and public relations work. Continuing his love for sharing his passion, he sponsored the 2025 Iowa Photography Salon for Sports at the Iowa State Fair. He was also invited to photograph and ride in the inaugural event of the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, and even photographed and interviewed Mohammad Ali.
Outside of photography, Bob enjoyed RC planes, model trains, and nature outings with his camera. He loved music—especially tunes from Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, and The Rolling Stones—and was known to fill his studio with songs while shooting portraits and as he developed masterful prints in his darkroom.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa of Boone, IA; his daughters, Nicole (Brad) Perdue of Champlin, MN, and Brooke Person of Boone, IA; numerous cousins; and other family members, as well as many students, colleagues, and friends who will cherish his impact on their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank G. Person.
A teacher, mentor, and storyteller, Bob will be remembered for his faith, passion, laughter, and generosity of spirit. His photographs capture not just moments, but the heart and humanity of those he loved and served. His legacy will continue to live on through his family, his students, and the countless images he captured over a lifetime behind the lens.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of Bob’s caregivers, including Boone County Homecare, AT Home, Home Instead, Suncrest Hospice, and the staff at Westhaven Community. Special thanks go to Barbara Bravard, Mary Conard-Long, and to Lisa and Brooke for caring for him at home for so many years.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:45 PM, at Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 Sixth Street, Boone. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, Boone, with Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be served in the parish hall. Inurnment will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:30 PM, at the Pleasantville Cemetery, Pleasantville, IA.
Memorials may go to the Church of the Sacred Heart or the American Parkinson Disease Association.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone.
Bob E. Person, 85, Boone, Iowa
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