Robert "Bob" Alan McCleary

Robert “Bob” McCleary, 86, of Perry, IA passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025 and is now with his beloved wife Peggy (Wernli) who preceded him in death in 2023. Bob was born in Winterset, Iowa to Cecelia (Langbehn) and Paul McCleary. He grew up and attended school in the Lincoln Township area and graduated from Dawson High School in 1956.

On February 28, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Peg. They traveled extensively together living in Anchorage, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Vashon Island, before settling back in Dawson, Iowa to raise their children.

Growing up, Bob worked on the farm with his dad and then flagged crops for duster planes. He was a surveyor in the bush when he first went to Alaska, worked for Boeing in Seattle, and was a mechanic in Anchorage, Perry and Des Moines. He retired from Percival Scientific in Perry. While in Alaska, Bob won quite a few ice-racing trophies in his rear-engine Renault. He later wrote a memoir about surviving the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964. Bob was an avid fisherman who competed in bass tournaments and enjoyed camping with family.

Bob is survived by his children: Laurie Carnahan, Tina Turner, Lee McCleary, and Janette Hanna; his grandchildren: Michelle (Jon) Illian, Tracy Carnahan, Kyle (Amanda) Carnahan, and Toby Hanna; and great grandchildren: Bryson, Elisebeth, Camille, Carter, Karsyn, Kallie and Owen. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings.

Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Hotel Pattee Ballroom, 1112 Willis Ave, Perry, IA 50220. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Linden, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send cards and donations to the Friends of Jamaica Library, PO Box 104 Jamaica, IA 50128. 641-429-3362 for questions. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.