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Robert Boxwell Obituary
Des Moines
Robert Boxwell, 92, passed away Friday, February 7, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service celebrating his life will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 11 at Grace West Church in West Des Moines.
Bob was a proud WWII Veteran and retired from McMillan Oil Company at an early age and moved to California to pursue his passion of golf. One of Bob's greatest highlights of his life was having lunch with Arnold Palmer. Bob returned to Des Moines in 1994 where he was employed at Willow Creek Golf Course until he was 87. He was an avid golf who had numerous hole-in-one's and he also enjoyed playing tennis. Bob was an active man who enjoyed working out with a personal trainer until he was 91.
Bob also enjoyed listening to the Glenn Miller Band and traveled all over the state to listen to him. He volunteered for many years at the southside Senior Center and was a member of the Senior Citizens Tour of Golf in Iowa. Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Steff Kooker and Phil Boxwell of Des Moines (Patti Boxwell of Pittsburg, PA); grandchildren, Reed Kooker and Robby Kooker of Des Moines; great-grandchidlren, Cohen, Landon and Brolen Kooker; brother, Byron Boxwell of CA and by special friend, Pauline Drotz. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Boxwell and brother, Bill Boxwell.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at the VA Medical Center ER, especially to Kent, Amy and Janelle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Boxwell
January 26, 2015
Dad it doesn't seem as though you have been gone for a year. I miss you so much and wanted to bring you home so you could enjoy the summers on the deck and winters by the fire place. But god had a better plan for you. miss you Steff
May 5, 2014
partner Sunday mornings will never be the same R.I.P. Bob, from Dave Schultz
Suzanne Johns
February 12, 2014
I worked with Bob in therapy at Fountain West. I often visited with him in the dining room and he was one of those patient's that held a special place in my heart. I just wanted you to know that he touched other's lives just by "being him". I was lucky to have the chance to meet him. I am very sorry for your loss. It is a great one! Sincerely, Suzanne
February 12, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to Bobs family. My husband Mark and I got to know Bob very well over the years. We loved spending time with him and Pauline. We celebrated birthdays together and Bob was always such a pleasure to talk to and have as true friend. We will miss him very much! I know Bob will watch over all of us from Heaven. Rest in peace Bob. Mark and Carla Frye, Norwalk, Ia
February 9, 2014
Mr. Boxwell "Bob" put a smile on everyone's face who crossed his path. I had the privilege to care for Bob in the hospital, he was and always will be my most favorite patient. I will truly miss seeing his smiley face, and catching up with him each month when he would insist on stopping by to say hello before leaving the hospital! God be with all of Bob's family and close friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy Wolff, RN at the VA Medical Center
Orvin Hughart
February 9, 2014
He was a wonderful man and well liked and respected by my brother Harvey. May he rest in peace and may his family remember the wonderful times they shared with him.
Addie Saleik
February 9, 2014
My sincere sympathy on the passing of Bob. I never met him but did talk to him on the phone. My prayers are with all of you.
Harvey Hughart
February 9, 2014
Bob was such a joy to be around. I just know he was welcomed in heaven with open arms. My prayers to his family and may the finest gentleman rest in peace.
Rita Clark
February 9, 2014
I loved working with Bob at Willow. He always made me laugh and I loved his hugs. He was a great man. Sure will miss him.
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