Robert K. Popple

Robert Kane Popple, Sr., 94, passed away December 16, 2014. Bob was born February 8, 1920, in Des Moines, IA, to the late Joseph and Marguerite Kane Popple. He attended the University of Iowa, and while there was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He remained a Hawkeye for his entire life.

Upon the entry of the United States into World War II, Bob left school early and (as he told it) won the only lottery he ever won, being the first in Des Moines drafted to the war. Having some drinks at Greenwood Lounge on Ingersoll, he found out when his mother called and told him The Register & Tribune was at their door looking to interview him. He enlisted in the Navy, and attended Midshipmen's School at Northwestern University in Chicago. He was commissioned as an Ensign on April 23rd, 1943, at Navy Pier. Bob was commander of a landing craft on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, and later served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines and Tokyo. He was also a 33rd Degree Mason.

Bob married Esther Marion Wise on April 23, 1943, in Chicago. The reception was held at the Drake Hotel, where their hotel room charge was $8.00. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Des Moines and entered the banking business, while also earning his degree from Drake University. Bob spent his entire working life in banking throughout Iowa and Missouri, beginning as a mail boy and working up to Bank President.

A member of Des Moines Golf & Country Club, Bob chaired the committee for a new location, resulting from the construction of the Des Moines freeway. Thereafter he was elected President of the Club. Bob was an avid golfer, and he regularly shot his age, beginning at 75. Throughout the years, he tallied 5 holes in one. One of his grandsons once said, "Does Grandpa ever hit it in the rough?"

Bob was a wonderful story teller, and an astute grammarian. He will be missed by his children Susan VanOrsdel (Robert) of Des Moines, and Robert, Jr. (Lori) of Manitowoc, WI; his grandchildren, John VanOrsdel, Sarah Gusse (Derek) of Des Moines, Allison Popple (Jeremy Gamble) of Oshkosh, WI, and Ryan Popple of Milwaukee, WI; and his great-grandchildren, Michael and Madeline Gusse of Des Moines. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Esther; second wife, Pat; sister, Doris; and brother, Joe (Buddy).

As Bob would say at the end of the evening, like the sun nearing its setting, "The long purple shadows…"

There will be a private family service for Bob. Memorial contributions can be made, in Bob's name, to the Wounded Warrior Project. C/O Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675