Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

Robert W Bettle

September 1, 1941 - December 22, 2017

Robert (Bob) Bettle, of Ankeny, passed away on December 22, 2017. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Memorial Services of Iowa funeral home (4208 N Ankeny Blvd). Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30th, also at the funeral home.
Bob was born in Independence, Iowa on September 1st, 1941 to Helen and Wayne Bettle. He graduated from Waterloo East High School. He then attended the State College of Iowa (UNI), graduating in August of 1963.
At the State College of Iowa, Bob met Virginia Ruth McShane, who he married in Waukon, Iowa on August 18th, 1963. They were married for 54 years.
After teaching junior high math in Ankeny for one year, Bob went to work for Dial Finance as an accountant. He retired over 30 years later from then Norwest Financial as a Vice-President and Controller in 1996. Bob was very grateful to have worked for a company that was so supportive and provided the opportunity to achieve his potential. He felt fortunate to have been able to retire early and spend time with his family. They are so thankful for the time they had with him before the impact of Alzheimer’s took over.
Bob enjoyed collecting everything from Roy Rogers and John Deere Tractors to Mickey Mouse and Santas. He loved spending time with his family, especially trips to Walt Disney World. He enjoyed attending athletic events, particularly Ankeny girls softball and basketball. Bob loved the Iowa State Fair, making multiple trips every year for 53 years, for taffy, cherry cokes, and talking to just about anyone. He also enjoyed supporting students striving to go to college through the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement and through scholarships at the University of Northern Iowa.
Bob is survived by his wife and their two children: Mark and his wife Joan, and Paul and his wife Kiersten. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Austin, Kailyn, Derrick, Jaedon, Collin, and Joe.
Bob is preceded in death by his mother and father.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ankeny United Church of Christ.