Robert John Foote

Foote, Robert John Visitation was held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Funeral Service was at United Methodist Church, Estherville, Iowa at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2014, Pastor Lynn Elrod Officiating. Military Rites at VFW Post 3388 & American Legion 91 - Estherville. 89, of Estherville, formerly of Deerfield, IL, died Sunday, June 1, 2014, under hospice care at Avera-Holy Family Hospital in Estherville. Robert was born in Chicago, IL, on June 10, 1924, the son of Andrew Jackson and Therma Z. (Talley) Foote. He attended Parker Elementary and High School in Chicago, graduating in 1942. After graduation, Robert worked for a short time as a welder and blacksmith on the railroad before serving in the United States Army at the end of World War II, having an affinity for numbers, he was immediately put to work in the accounting offices at the Fort Sheridan, IL, separation center. Once the war ended, Robert began working for American Hospital Supply Corporation and was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Nadine Patricia Sorge, the two of them made their home in Deerfield, IL, where Robert would live for over sixty years. While working full time he attended night classes eventually graduating with a degree in accounting from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Robert spent his career at American Hospital Supply Corporation, retiring as an Executive Treasurer and Tax Manager in 1984. Robert traveled the world extensively and even more in retirement. He visited most of Europe, much of the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia, nearly all of the United States, Canada and Mexico. We will forever remember Robert for the kind of man he was and what was important to him. First and foremost in his life was his family. He made sure that his daughters, and their families scattered across the country, would be together every few years to spend time together and make memories. The years in between, he traveled to them, spending all major holidays with one of his girls. He was a man of faith. Every morning he read daily bible meditations and attended church and bible studies weekly, and served as the Christ United Methodist Church Treasurer for over 40 years at his home in Deerfield. Robert was a generous man. He was giving not only his money but his time as well. A long-time member and former Lt. Governor of Optimist International, it was important to him to bring out the best in children, raising money for scholarship programs for local youth and volunteering and Camp One-Step, a camp for children with cancer. He was active in the Deerfield Historical Society and completed the yearly taxes for many local charitable organizations at no charge. He was a happy, caring, optimistic man who genuinely loved his family, enjoyed people, and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was survived by his daughters, Diane (Larry) Trumbo of Romeo, MI, Susanne (Ed) Forker of Northport, FL, and Marcia (David) Forsyth of Estherville, IA; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; special friend, Muriel Kaminski; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine; and brothers, Andrew, Ralph; sister, Mildred; and twin brother, John. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to a charity of donor's choice. www.henryolsonfuneral.com