Obituary of Robert Eilers

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Eilers, age 76, of Milford will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm with a Vigil Service at 5:00pm all at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Milford. 

Robert Francis was born to Harry and Roseann (Vonnahme) Eilers in 1946, at St. Joseph Hospital in Milford, Iowa. He was the youngest of seven children. He was actually the surprise of the family with a 22 year difference between him and his oldest sibling. Bob attended school at St. Joseph Catholic School for his education.

Bob was drafted into the United States Marines in 1966 and received the rank of Lance Corporal. He was a transport driver in Vietnam, received the Purple Heart and was later discharged in 1968.

Bob married the love of his life, Kathleen Ruth Zweibahmer, on April 27th 1968 at St. Mary’s in Spirit Lake, Iowa. They have been married for 55 years and since the day of this union have never been more than a week separated, thanks to summer Scout Camp. During this union they raised three sons and one daughter, with Faith, Love and Respect. They attended their events and supported each other and their children to all of their success’ and were always there to hold a hand, give a hug and some advice. They also welcomed six grandsons and two granddaughters as well as two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters, each of them were loved so much and as you may guess spoiled a little too.

Dad spent 46 years with Mom at their residence south of town, taking it from a horse pasture to a beautiful family home and property, the old horse barn still stands and has had everything in it from rabbits to cut wood for the wood stove. Dad worked hard adding to the home for his family with additions and this has made it the ultimate gathering place for holidays and summer excursions, Many memories were made through the years. Some really funny ones, just ask any of us.

Bob has been a lifetime member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church where he did numerous activities from teaching altar servers to KC fishing trips with them, Bingo when the church did that as well as helping with other events and projects.

He was a 52 year member of Milford American Legion Post 384, a member of VFW 4514, also a life member of the DAV, he really enjoyed his 11 years as a Commissioner of the Dickinson County VA and Boy Scouts of America for 42 years.

Bob loved camping with family and friends all over the country. During these trips he loved his dutch oven cooking. He loved his walks around town with his wife, hand in hand the whole way. He was always there to help a neighbor and one thing he loved was rototilling. He attended many events for all his kids and grands, plus numerous scout campouts and summer camps. He also loved working with and socializing with his fellow veterans.

Bob passed away April 1, 2023 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at seventy-six years of age.

Surviving Bob are the love of his life Kathleen; his children, Christopher (Amy) Eilers of Ankeny, IA, Kirk Eilers of Venice Beach, CA, Kent (*Kami) Eilers of Milford, IA and Kimberly (Joseph) Jackson of Kansas City, MO.; grandsons, Tyler, Brady, Lucas, Cole, Elias and Ian; granddaughters, Sky and Grace; great-grandsons, Waylon and Breckyn; great-granddaughters, Stella, Gertie and Olivia.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Roseann Eilers; six siblings, Ella Mae, Harry Jr, Harold, Mardell, Rosemary and Herb.