Robert "Bob" Clinton Battern

Robert (Bob) Clinton Battern was born September 23, 1933, to Oral & Sarah Harriet (Roop) Battern in Le Mars, IA. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Storm Lake, IA. During WWII, the family moved to California where his father worked at the San Francisco shipyards. Robert (Bob) Clinton Battern was born September 23, 1933, to Oral & Sarah Harriet (Roop) Battern in Le Mars, IA. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Storm Lake, IA. During WWII, the family moved to California where his father worked at the San Francisco shipyards. Following the war, the family returned to Storm Lake where he graduated from high school. During his senior year he met Doris McNerney. They were married on February 8, 1953. Bob was an entrepreneur, starting and working several businesses. He and his father owned a radio & TV repair shop in Storm Lake. He later began working for Fareway grocery stores, which moved him and his family around Iowa. In 1972 the family moved to Arnolds Park, where he eventually started Bob’s Hardware Hank. After selling the store, he returned to the grocery business, working for Buy Rite in Milford, and managing one in Sibley. Later he purchased the Montgomery Ward’s store in Milford. When Montgomery Wards closed all their stores, he and Doris moved to Missouri. There he started and owned several businesses, including a successful J.R. Watkins distributorship. As Watkins distributors, he and Doris won several trips, including one to Ireland the year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob was an accomplished pianist and played virtually every day for his own enjoyment. Bob never really retired. Once he stopped working, he turned his energy towards building furniture for his family and volunteering. He was recognized by Mobility Worldwide for his work in constructing Personal Energy Transportation units. He built over 100 desks for children in Honduras and put together dozens of wooden sewing machine boxes that were shipped worldwide. In 2018 he and Doris returned to Arnolds Park. Shortly after arriving his health began to deteriorate, and for the past year he fought several medical conditions. He died peacefully at home on April 15, 2020, surrounded by his family. Bob is survived by his wife Doris, three daughters Minda Heidenreich (Barnes, WI), Kari (Rob) Lucke (Columbia, MO), Alisa Larson (Spirit Lake, IA), a son John (Julie) Battern (Arnolds Park, IA), 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister, sons-in-law Tom Heidenreich and Duane Larson, and a granddaughter Jennifer Battern. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Robert "Bob" Clinton Battern

September 23, 1933 - April 15, 2020