1929-2024
Robert Wesley White, 95, passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Des Moines. He was born April 22, 1929, in Guthrie Center to Lawrence and Estella Vaughan White.Bob was a graduate of Winterset High School and attended Simpson College in Indianola and was a stellar athlete for both schools. He met the love of his life, Betty Ann Jorgensen, while in high school, and they were married on Sept. 10, 1948, in Winterset. To that union, three children were born, Dennis, Noel and Michele. Bob and Betty are now blessed with eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren plus one more on the way.
Bob and Betty moved from Winterset to Urbandale in the Des Moines area in 1958, where they lived for 34 years and raised their three children until moving to Lake Panorama in 1992.
Bob enjoyed his family, time at their home, hunting and fishing and especially had a passion for golf. Up until recently, he played in a league every week, with good friends, at the par 3 course at Lake Panorama, and got a hole-in-one at age 90. He served as president of the Lake Panorama Association and was involved with the construction of the clubhouse on the course as well as numerous other course improvements. He loved telling a good joke and making people laugh.
After returning from military service, where he was based primarily in Germany, he returned as a
member of the “greatest generation” exhibiting the virtues of honesty, integrity and hard work. Upon return from his military service, he began working for Winterset Memorials and ended up buying and owning the business with locations in Des Moines and Winterset and successfully sold the business in 1991.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of 76 years; Dennis (Debbie) White from Colorado; their children, Jason (Nicole) White, Brian White and Adam White; Noel (Patty) White from Arkansas; their children, Ashley (Kyle) Guziec and Taylor (Brooks) White; Michele (Joel) VanVark from Iowa; and their children, Alyssa VanVark, Chelsea VanVark and Austin VanVark.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Estella, and his brother, Ron White.
Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Urbandale with a 1 p.m. funeral service. The burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the City Cemetery in Winterset.Bob’s service will be recorded and posted on his obituary at www.ilesCares.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Urbandale and Friends of Lake Panorama.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.