Robert "Bob" E. Baarda

Robert “Bob” E. Baarda, 85, of Newton died on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at Newton Health Care Center.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 29, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, August 28, at the funeral home.  Memorials to the Great Commission Fund at the Community Heights Alliance Church may be left at the funeral home.

Bob, the son of Joe and Nola (Elscott) Baarda, was born on November 23, 1932 in Newton.  He grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School.  Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On June 13, 1953, Bob was united in marriage with Donna Van Der Zyl in Pasa Robles, California where Bob was stationed. They would later return to Newton to make their home.  Bob was the Pressman at the Newton Daily News for 45 years, retiring on October 21, 1996.  He was a member and long time board member of the Community Heights Alliance Church.  Bob enjoyed his extensive model train set that he had in his basement for many years.   He and Donna also loved to listen to gospel music.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Diane (Kelvin) Vander Weerdt of Sully; grandchildren, Darci (Josh) Keller of Toledo and Grace (Matthew) Smalley of Sully; and his great-grandson, Lane Kitzmann of Sully. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna on February 26, 2018; and daughter, Darla on July 1, 2018.

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