Robert Spenner, Sr. Obituary

Robert L. “Bob” Spenner, Sr., 88, of Kalona, formerly of Riverside, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona. He has been cremated, and the family will greet friends from 1 – 4 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Pleasantview Chapel, where there will be a time for sharing memories at 3:30 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the Avenue of Flags at the Sharon Hill Cemetery. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Robert Lee Spenner, Sr, was born August 7, 1936, in Kalona, the son of William and Mabel (Wallace) Spenner. He graduated from Kalona High School. He joined the United States Army in October 1955 and served until October 1957. On August 6, 1961, he was united in marriage to Janet Kinkaid in the Methodist Church in Lone Tree. Bob worked for the University of Iowa Printing Services for many years and later in maintenance. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City and was a very active volunteer with 4-H and FFA. Bob was a helper; he never hesitated to pitch in and help anyone with anything. He helped with the Avenue of Flags project at the Sharon Hill Cemetery and was always helping his family with projects, including his daughter Deb’s pony rides. Bob loved to spend time with his grandkids and great-grandkids and always enjoyed fixing things and tinkering.

Survivors include his wife Janet of Kalona, four children: Kathy Spenner of Kalona, Debra (Mark) Kleese of Washington, Jeff Spenner of Riverside, and Jana (Gary) Stout of Washington, eight grandchildren: Brandi, Jeremy, Travis, Brandon, Bryce, Breana, Brant and Brooke, 15 great-grandchildren, and two brothers: John (Arlene) Spenner of Riverside and Donald Spenner of Mt. Pleasant.

Preceding Bob in death were his parents, sister Ellen, and husband Don Hochstedler and sister-in-law Karen Spenner.