Robert Francis "Bob" Tekippe

1934 - 2023

INDEPENDENCE – Robert Francis "Bob" Tekippe, 89, passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at ABCM - West in Independence, Iowa.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. - Saturday, Nov. 18, at White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa.
Celebration of Life Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17 at the funeral home and will continue for an hour before services, Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Independence.
Robert was born on July 4, 1934, in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Leo and Gladys (Leibold) Tekippe. He graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1952. On Nov. 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Shirley Esther Foltz in St. Cloud, Minn. Bob continued his education at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., before moving back to Decorah. In 1963, Bob and Shirley moved to Independence and bought the local Coast to Coast Hardware Store, which later became Hardware Hank. They raised their family in Independence and operated the store until their retirement in 2021. Bob was active in the community and enjoyed being a member of Rotary, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and the Shysters Coffee Club. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Tekippe of Independence; two sons, Randall Tekippe of Waterloo and Terry (Jami) Tekippe of Independence; two daughters, Sheri (Jim) Burns of Winthrop and Lori (Jim) O'Connor of Omaha, Neb.; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two sisters, JoAnn (Nils) Kjome of Decorah and Vernida (Art) Maley of Rochester, Minn.; a brother, Gary (Deb) Tekippe of Decorah; and many nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.
Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence is in charge of the arrangements.