Robert A. Bown

Robert Allen Bown, 94, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Martin Suites - Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, Iowa, surrounded by his family. After taking his last breath he was reunited with his wife Patricia, who he had missed immensely since her passing in 2024. A private family funeral service will be taking place. A public visitation will be on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Reinbeck Community Church in Reinbeck. Inurnment will take place at a later date with military rights. Memorials may be directed to the family to be disbursed at a later date.

Robert was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Roger and Ida Maye (Ingols) Bown on November 15, 1931. He began his education at a country school near LaPorte City, Iowa and graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1951. He served his country in the United States Army. He participated in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

He married the love of his life, Patricia Schildroth, on March 12, 1955. They made their home on a farm in rural Hudson and worked together raising livestock and growing crops to build a life that was rewarding to them. To this union four sons were born, Allen, Michael, Jeffrey and Curtis, who gained a strong work ethic from their parents and by watching their father they learned about responsibility and commitment. In addition to farming Robert worked for several years at Universal Industries as a machinist and welder. He also cofounded B&B Concrete with two of his brothers and brother-in-law, where they manufactured precast slotted floors for hog confinement buildings and bunker silos.

Robert is known for many things, being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is also known for woodworking, his garden, his willingness to do things for others and has been described as a “sweet man” by many. Robert spent time in his shop making rocking chairs for each of his grandchildren to pass on to their children. He also had woodworking projects such as lighted angels, wagons for flowers, and toys for his great grandchildren. Each summer his garden was bountiful and produced vegetables and fruit for all to enjoy. In his greenhouse he would grow red geraniums and each summer would give them away to family and friends.

Robert was able to live a full life but he will be remembered and missed by many: his four sons, Allen (Brenda), Michael (Lisa), Jeffrey (Gwen) and Curtis (Janelle), his eleven grandchildren, Jeremy, Brady (Katy), Cody (Kenadey), Shani (Jason), Jordan (Ryan), Noah (Lauren), Kyle (Lexie), Karly (Tony), Kara (Nathan), Rachel (Charles) and Parker (Elli), and his nineteen great grandchildren, Sawyer, Avarie, Azley, Monroe, Cutter, Dru, Boss, Penelope, Ezra, Stella, Daxton, Caroline, Mia, Livie, Cece, Ruby, William, Rory and Eden. Others mourning his loss are his brother Jerry, sister in laws Delores Petersen and Ruth Trepp, brother in laws Craig(Marie) Schildroth, Warren(Becky) Schildroth as well as many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Roger and IdaMaye Bown, his wife Patricia, his brothers Eugene, Donald, Warren, Richard, his sister Mary Ann Hempen as well as his brothers in law Marvin Petersen, L. George Schildroth, Lowell Trepp and Harlan Hempen.

In closing, the family of Robert Bown would like to extend a thank you with great gratitude to the staff at Martin Suites for the loving care he received during the short time he was there. We couldn’t have asked for any better care than what you gave him. To all, we hope your good memories will comfort you until time heals your heart.