Robert Deems

Robert L. (Bob) Deems, 73, retired State Farm executive, died Sunday morning, August 21, 2005, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bob and his wife Jeanette moved to Scottsdale in 1987, after more than 30 years with State Farm. Bob was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, son of Howard W. and Alice Deems. He was a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he lettered in varsity basketball. Bob began his career with State Farm in the Lincoln office in 1955. He held various positions in Pennsylvania and Illinois, before moving to the Home Office in 1962. Bob held many leadership positions at State Farm, and was instrumental in the development of State Farm's early processing systems. After retirement, he worked with his brother as an executive coach with Deems Associates Inc. He was active in community work, including terms on the Olympia (Il) school board, mayor of Minier, Illinois, a member of Scottsdale Leadership Class of 1990, and the Valley of the Sun Waste Not programs. Bob is survived by his wife Jeanette, sons Mike Deems and Mark Deems, daughters JoLynn Morice and Susan Dluhy: step-children Tracy Olson, Russell Olson, and Caryn Olson Tulk: nineteen grandchildren, brother Richard Deems, cousins and many friends. Funeral services will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park and Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale on Wednesday morning, 11:00am, August 24, 2005, with his cousin, the Rev James Deems Hargleroad, officiating. Visitation will be open to all friends on Tuesday evening, 6-8:00pm. Memorial may be sent to either the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com