ROBERT NOBLE ZACK

1924 - 2017

Robert Noble (Bob) Zack, 92, Olathe, Kan., passed away peacefully January 9, 2017, after a brief illness. Robert was born Sept. 30, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Erich and Ruth Noble Zack. He was raised in Iowa with his brother Jim, and sister, Mary Alice. He graduated from high school in 1942 in Carroll, Iowa. He enrolled at Iowa State University, but when World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Army and bravely served in Europe. Robert trained to be a paratrooper, but when the Army learned he was studying engineering, he was transferred to a unit of combat engineers building bridges throughout Europe. After the war, he returned to ISU, graduated in 1949 as a civil engineer and was a proud Cyclone for life. In 1947, he married Joan Hollenback, and raised two daughters, Debbie and Cathy. He worked for the Iowa Highway Department before becoming the youngest state President for South Dakota Concrete Products and until his retirement, President of Kansas City Concrete Pipe Company in 1988. He was a successful businessman, elected school board member for Ames, Iowa schools and a distinguished member of the Shriner International Club and The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed pheasant, duck and goose hunting in South Dakota. In retirement, he perfected his golf game always celebrating with a glass of scotch and a steak! After losing his first wife, Joan to cancer in 1985, Bob met and married Peggy Peterson in 1987. They combined their families to include her four daughters and three sons. They were happily married for 29 years, recently retiring to Santa Marta Retirement community, Olathe, KS, in 2013. He loved his big family more than anything, taking great pride in the accomplishments of all of his grandkids (15) and great grandkids (14). He will be missed by so many. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents, Erich and Ruth, wife, Joan Hollenbeck Zack, and daughter, Linda Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Peterson Zack, brother, James Zack (Faith), sister, Mary Alice Zack Webb (Al), daughters, Deborah Zack Schultz (Jim), Cathy Zack Roseland (Craig), Monica Peterson Williams, Peggy Peterson, Bridget Peterson Hines (John Hines) and sons, Morgan Peterson, Mike Peterson, and Ernie Peterson (Tracy) and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa, KS 66215. Interment will be at McLarens Resthaven Chapel and Mortuary, 801 19th St., West Des Moines, IA 50261. Visitation 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, with graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, online at www.shrinershospitals.org Arr.: Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel, (913) 768- 6777. PenwellGabelOlathe.com