Robert "Bob" Phipps

Robert Lee Phipps was born on February 12, 1928, in Marshalltown, Iowa, and passed away 93 years later to the day at Grandview Nursing Home in Marshalltown. He was the firstborn of Fred Phipps and Mary Gunderson, with sister Mary Ann to follow nine years later. Bob graduated from high school at LeGrand and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree while being a multi-sport athlete at William Penn College. He later earned his master’s degree in Industrial Education at Iowa State University. After marrying Bonnie Hoskins at Liberty Friends Church in Clemons, Iowa, and serving in the Army where he taught Fire Direction Control, they returned to LeGrand to make a home. Mr. Phipps, as many knew him, held the titles of teacher, coach, and athletic director. He retired from the LDF school district in 1990 and kept long-standing relationships with colleagues and students alike. Bob was a faithful Christian who embodied the fruits of the Spirit. He was a committed husband and a selfless father to Rob and Jamie. He was a dedicated son to his parents and Bonnie’s parents in their old age. He was a doting grandfather and a trusted friend. His informal titles were woodworker, dog walker to many spoiled schnauzers, Sunday school teacher and member of LeGrand Friends Church, neighbor, world traveler, story-teller, early riser, loyal Cubs fan (having lost a job as a teenager when he drove to Chicago for the ‘45 World Series), Cyclones fan, “governor” for the way he would talk to strangers, coffee pusher, and greatest of all: servant-leader. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Phipps of LeGrand, son Robert (Alexandra) Phipps of Duluth, Georgia, son James Phipps of LeGrand, and Denise Phipps of LeGrand. His grandchildren include Jessica (Josh) Zeigler, Emily (Anthony) Gall, Jacob (Morgan) Phipps, Dylan Maas, and Alexis Phipps. His great-grandchildren include Jude, Jett, Jace, Cecil, Samuel, Calvin, Luke, and one on the way. Other survivors include his sister Mary Ann Phipps Silbermann, brothers-in-law Denzil Hoskins and Charles Hoskins, in addition to many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary Phipps who remarkably lived to be 92 and 93, respectively, and aunt Esther Hatcher. Memorials may be directed to LeGrand Friends Church.At this time, cremation rites have been accorded and no formal services are planned at this time. A family led celebration of life will be held at a later date. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or phone 641-844-1234. Care for Bob and his family have been entrusted to Mitchell Family Funeral Home.