Robert W State

Robert “Bob” Willis State, 95, of Newton, formerly of Ira, died on Monday, August 1, 2022, at Park Centre in Newton. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Ira United Church may be left at the funeral home.

Bob, the son of Glenn and Lucille (Barton) State, was born on July 11, 1927 in Des Moines. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Des Moines Tech High School. Bob then served his country in the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of WWII and attended Iowa State University.  Bob was united in marriage with Anna Jean Warner on August 23, 1947 at the Christian Church in Ira. They made their home and bought a farm in Ira. Bob worked at the Maytag Company for 42 years; retiring in 1989 as the Director of Manufacturing of North America Operations. He was a member of the Maytag Management Club.  Bob attended the Newton Christian Church for many years and held various leadership roles.  Later, he was an active member at the Ira United Church.

Bob enjoyed spending time at the family vacation home at North Star Lake in Minnesota. He also liked farming, mushroom hunting, bird watching, and hunting. 

Bob is survived by his children, Janna State of Newton, Connie Patterson of San Diego, California and Robert State (Kim Barton) of Altoona; his grandchildren, Steve Hunter, Bryce (Ashley) Hunter, Dustin (Kerri) Hunter, Heather Patterson, Grant Patterson, Dave Owens, Jenny Gibson, Julie Hunter (Steve Janotha), and Julian (Jenn) State; great-grandchildren, Kiersten (Andrew), Riley, Andrew, Jessie, Brett, Grace, Cameron, Emily, and Alani; his great-great-grandchild, Wrenlee; and his sister, Margaret Robinson of Ankeny.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anna State; daughter, Karen Hunter; sister, Patty Dingman; and his brother, Jerry State. 

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