Robert Hawk – KWBG Radio

BOONE, Iowa—Robert “Bob” Joseph Hawk, 90 years of age, passed away on January 5, 2026, at The Willows in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Bob was born July 17, 1935, in Yankton, South Dakota, to the late William and Alice (Lindquist) Hawk. He had an older half-sister, and he had a step-sister when his father remarried. Bob graduated from Boone High School in Boone, Iowa. He joined the Iowa National Guard after graduation and also attended Iowa State University for a time.

Bob married Karen Joan Hovland on August 14, 1960, and they had four children. He later married Rosella Mae Palmateer on July 26, 1974, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone, Iowa. From that marriage, Bob added five step-children.

Bob retired from Hach company in Ames, Iowa, but had worked most of his career at Rolfes Manufacturing in Boone. After retirement, Bob kept busy with a few part-time jobs before fully retiring.

Bob was happiest when he was traveling on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle with Rosella as his companion. Together the couple explored places such as South Dakota, California, and Tennessee, just to name a few. Bob was also a die-hard Hawkeye fan, and he enjoyed going to Iowa City to watch the football games whenever he could. When not working or watching the Hawkeyes, you could find Bob and Rosella camping or out searching for collectibles. Bob was never one to take life too seriously. Even when it was necessary to move out of his home and into assisted living due to health concerns, he continued to have a sense of humor.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Rosella, and his infant son, Rodney Alan Hawk. He leaves his 3 children: Robert (Carolyn) Hawk, Janelle Hawk, and Brian (Lani) Hawk to cherish his memory. He is also survived by his 5 step-children: Richard (Bev) Sebring, Roberta Overton, Roger (Lori) Sebring, Rosalie (Daryl) Petty, and Rodney (Cathy) Springer; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mineral Ridge Cemetery in Boone County following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter or to the Alzheimer’s Association.