It is only with a smile that I remember Bob. I say that because he always had a smile on his face, and thinking of him has always made me smile. My kids have all heard stories about Bob and Cookie and their visits to northern WI when I was a kid in the 70s and 80s, and our visits with them when our family visited Cedar Rapids. Lots of great memories. Last year on Bob's birthday I took my boys to get Dilly Bars, and we will do the same this week to celebrate Bob's life. My condolences to Sheila and Jackie and to Karen.
Eileen Mackey Downing
September 19, 2022
Bob and I became acquainted in the late fifties when Cookie brought him to Ellis Park Church of God. Our friendship grew from that point on and our wives became close friends also: Many of our best times spent together were trout and bass fishing! Ice fishing the back waters of The Mississippi River! Pheasant hunting trips, all which created memories that could be mulled over sitting outside of his cabin or a pup tent, also listening to baseball games on the radio together. Bob was a Special Guy! Very devoted to his family, friends and church. Over the last few years telephone calls have given us our special times to reminisce, Bob will be sorely missed by us all.
Dwayne and Pam Wood
September 19, 2022
Bob was my friend for 71 years. My mind is dancing with treasured memories of Bob while the emotions of his passing are with me. In recent years we occasionally mentioned how we had been like brothers. I was fortunate to have the friendship of an exceptional man in so many ways. He was a devoted family man, a Christian in spirit, a hard worker, patriotic, kind, generous, thoughtful, an exceptional caretaker, and faced all challenges in life with an optimistic attitude. And the list could go on.
We both fished and hunted with a passion In Iowa, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Arkansas. Ducks, geese, pheasants, grouse, deer, raccoon, rabbits, squirrels, trout, bass, walleyes, musky, northern pike, panfish, and Lake Superior salmon. Bass was Bob’s favorite. I remember one day when he caught 3 legal muskies and I missed number 4 at the net. He was a superb sportsman.
Other highlights: After serving in the Army and completing his tour of duty and returning to civilian life, he was one of 148,000 ordered to active duty for the Berlin Crisis (1961-62). He was an excellent athlete and for several years was recognized as a stellar pitcher in league play fastpitch softball. It was great to watch him! He was the Godfather for our daughter Bridget, and our youngest son Bob was named after him. They fished and canoed together in Upper Michigan. Bob and Cookie’s cabin near the Mississippi was special in their lives.
For 38 years he traveled to Northern Wisconsin to fish with me and often one of my sons. Joyous times. Ice fishing on Lake Superior for trout was always a highlight for all of us. There were also trips with other friends from Iowa. Always a celebration and times to eat lots of fish. We have 9 kids and Bob would always buy them Dilly Bars when visiting. They remember to this day!
We had a wonderful relationship with Bob and Cookie. We also admired their daughters Jackie and Sheila. He often praised his daughters. In recent years he also spoke highly of his special lady Karen Zach.
Bob will be missed by all the Mackey family and they join me in in sending our comforting thoughts to all of Bob’s family and those who held Bob close to their hearts. My parting message to Bob is a phrase we often exchanged. “SET THE HOOKS!!!!” We will meet again! Mack
Richard P. Mackey
September 18, 2022
On behalf of my wife Kathy, my son Eric and his wife Deanna, my sons Scot and Marc and my nephew Luke Poeschl; I would like to express our family’s heartfelt condolences to Jackie and Sheila as well as to Karen. We are so very sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure of fishing for trout and bass with my uncle Bob, those memories will live with me forever.
Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Mike Stodola
Michael Stodola
September 17, 2022