Robert D. Errthum

Robert D. Errthum, 54, of Holy Cross, Iowa, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005, as a result of an automotive accident on Highway 52 North near Durango, Iowa. Friends may call from 1-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a parish scripture service will be held at 3:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Holy Cross, with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev.Thomas Zinkula.
Bob was born on March 21, 1950, in Fennimore, Wis., the son of Leo and Frances (Hefel) Errthum. He grew to manhood in Holy Cross, graduating from Leo High School in 1968. On September 25, 1971, he married Phyllis Deutmeyer in Luxemburg, Iowa. Robert was a loving, supportive husband to his social butterfly. Bob and Phyllis have shared a passion for their acreage. For over 30 years, they have created a beautiful home that they have shared with family and friends. As a father, he led by his quiet example, and his four grandsons enjoyed spending time with "Grandpa Bob". He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 32 years, where he was highly respected for his mechanical skills and affectionately known as "Backhoe Bob". Bob was also employed at Rainbo Oil, Wulfehuhle Bros., and Associate Milk Producers, Inc., where he drove a milk truck. He also was a sub driver for W. D. school district for a short time and was able to share the challenges of Phyllis's job. Never backing down from a challenge, he made the impossible possible. Bob enthusiastically embraced any opportunity to lend a hand to family and friends. Bob enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, and most recently, fulfilled a life-long dream of flying. He was a certified ultralight pilot and took joy in flying from his own private runway.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; three sons and their families, Troy and Martha Errthum, Travis, Trevor and Tanner, of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Brett and Heather Errthum and Sam, of Davenport, and Eric Errthum and fiancee, Kate Nichols, of College Park, Md.; brothers and sisters; Leon and Elaine Errthum, and Allen and Carol Errthum, both of Dubuque, Iowa, Nick and Carol Errthum, of North Buena Vista, Iowa, Jerome and Marlene Errthum, of Sherrill, Iowa, Ed (Deb Clemen) Errthum, of Holy Cross, Gen Pike, of Houston, Texas, Mary and Richard Hayes, of Glencoe, Minn., Kathy and Wayne Rudebeck, of Dallas, Texas, Barb and John Taylor, of Holy Cross; in-laws, Marvin and Norma Deutmeyer, of Dyersville, Iowa, Jerry and Jan Deutmeyer, of Dubuque, Richard and Helen Deutmeyer, of Luxemburg, Iowa, Dianne and Dennis Duwe, of Luxemburg, Mary and Don Frommung, of Praire Du Sac, Wis., Grace and Clete Clemen, of East Dubuque, Ill.
He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Edward Errthum, his parents, Leo and Frances Errthum, a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Carol Errthum, parents-in-law, Lawrence and Helen Deutmeyer, a brother-in-law, Jim Oberbroeckling.
"What an awesome view from up there."
Condolences accepted and information at www.kramerfuneral.com.