Obituaries 11 January 2022

Robert H. Recker, 66

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Robert H. Recker, age 66, formerly of Green River, Wyoming, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at home in Des Moines on Sept. 28, 2021.

Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conway Markham Funeral Home, 508 Maple Street, Elma. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Conway Markham Funeral Home with burial immediately following. Memorial contributions can be made to the family.

Robert was born on Nov. 11, 1954, the fifth of six children to Edwin and Katherine (Meirick), in New Hampton. He attended school in New Hampton, graduating in 1972. Robert worked on the farm with his parents. On Sept. 4, 1982 he married Mary Jane Roeder at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco.

Robert continued farming in Alta Vista with his wife for 38 years. During this time, three children came into their family: Ryan (Michele) Recker of Panora, Kelsey Jane (deceased) and Katelyn Recker, Des Moines. Included in his cherished family are his four grandchildren: Faith Recker, Grace Recker, Hope Recker and Isaac Recker. They moved to Manly in 2000 before moving in 2005 to Green River, Wyoming where he and Mary Jane became pastors of Harvestime Church. Robert held several jobs in Wyoming, including managing an apartment complex and transporting others. He enjoyed helping others and always had a smile on his face and time for a conversation, especially when it came to sharing his love for the Lord. Serving as hospital chaplain at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wyoming gave him one more opportunity to do this.

Robert thoroughly loved the outdoors, growing up hunting, fishing, farming and later enjoying the wide open spaces of Wyoming. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and 4-wheeler with his wife and family, and was especially fond of the Flaming Gorge near Rock Springs, Wyoming. He enjoyed attending sporting and other events for his grandchildren, and loved having them stay over with some one-on-one time. He was also fond of the family pets, Winston and Lady. And while he deeply loved his wife and his family, he especially was dedicated to the Lord and preached many sermons while in Green River, until he was unable to do so because of his health.

Robert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Jane, his son Ryan and daughter Katelyn and their families, his brother John (Marlys) Recker, and sisters Nancy Ungs, Karen (Tom) Wyatt, Kay (Dan) Hartson and JoAnn (Jerry) Heying. He is also survived by his in-laws, many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Katherine Recker, daughter Kelsey Jane, in-laws Urban and Marian Roeder, brother-in-law Mike Ungs, sister-in-law Rose Spence, nephew, Scott Recker and niece Angela Hannon.

Robert’s family are especially grateful to the staff at Unity Point Health and Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines for their special care.

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