Robert "Bob" Hager

Robert Allen Hager, 63, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 3:20 PM at his home in Waukon surrounded by his loving family and friends. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, February 11th, at 3:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Friends may greet the family from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the church. The family invites you to join them at Bob's Celebration of Life following, at Green Valley Getaway in Waukon from 4:30-8:00 PM In lieu of flowers, donations made to the family will be used for causes close to Bob's heart. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.
"What then will this child become?" -- Luke 1:66
Bob was born Wednesday, May 24,1961, to Keith and Elsa (Bahr) Hager of Waukon, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ and graduated from Waukon Senior High School with the infamous class of 1979!
On September 27, 1986, Bob married his soulmate, Kristi Howe, fulfilling his first life goal of being married by age 25! Through this 38-year union, they raised three beautiful daughters, Aubree, Alyssa, and Alaina, and were blessed with two grandchildren, Kaden (17) and Kinley (9).
Bob was a lifelong resident of Waukon, IA, with the exception of a 3-month residency in Surprize, AZ. (But that's another story!) No matter where Bob found himself in life, he was always about community: connecting people and planning events. Bob was a community builder; known for planning the annual Memorial Day weekend Canoe Creek bash, organizing the local easter egg hunt, a member of Waukon Jaycees, involved in the CEW community, helping civic groups with projects such as Hide-A-Way Park, Corn Days, a softball coach, and a 4-H Leader. He was involved in prison ministry, a member of Pheasants Forever, Allamakee Republicans, Knights of Columbus, and active member of St. Patrick Parish, Waukon. Through these organizations he has made lifelong friends!
He loved the outdoors: boating, fishing, canoeing/kayaking; hunting deer, turkey, and pheasants. He was never afraid of a road trip no matter where his daughters found themselves. In his travels, he would wait in expectation of who he would run into. Whether at a steakhouse in Minot, ND, hiking the trails at Superstition Mountains in AZ, at a campground in Buccaneer State Park, MS, or a casino in Las Vegas, NV, his connections would cross time and space.
His journey through life led him to a variety of jobs. He would say he was a jack of all trades but master of none!
His first job was helping on the Bahr family farm. In high school, Bob began to work with his dad at Waukon Implement Parts Department. From 1980-1986, he worked on the road with Fred Carlson Paving Crew. He then received his CDL and began working with CRST trucking. After becoming a family man, Bob then transitioned to more local jobs: Waste Management (1987-1997), and Waukon Power Sports (1998) before fulfilling his second life goal to own a campground; but not just any campground! He wanted the former Lonning's Landing! In March of 1999, Bob and Kristi made that dream into reality and renamed it Upper Iowa Resort & Rental. In the campground off-seasons, Bob would hold various jobs: semi-driving for Caledonia Haulers and Kurk Trucking/Veisman's, selling Christmas trees on a tree lot in Florida, working as a short-order cook at Jill's café, or doing carpentry with his good friend, Tom. After 22 years of faithful ownership, he sold the campground in 2021 and fulfilled his third life goal of traveling to all 50 states during his lifetime (plus bonus trips to Guam, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas).
After his travels, he worked for Sommer Excavating and ended his working career with Earl Transit in September of 2024. Bob served six years on the Allamakee Community School District Board of Education (2004-2010), before stepping down to serve as the newly elected House Representative for the 84th Iowa General Assembly (2011-2012). In 2018, he was elected as French Creek Township Clerk and served until stepping down in November 2024 for health reasons.
Bob is survived by his wife Kristi, children Aubree (former son-in-law Chris Peterman), Alyssa, Alaina, grandchildren Kaden and Kinley, brother Donn (Nancy) Hager, aunt Donna (Ernie) Lubahn, aunt Bonnie Hager, nieces and nephews, and relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Keith and Elsa Hager, brother Steve, baby Kim, close relatives and cherished friends.
What then became of this child?
The last line of the Jaycee Creed-and Bob's favorite-states: "Service to humanity is the best work of life!"
Bob, you embodied service to humanity throughout your life and made it the foundation of a life well lived. We love you and you'll be greatly missed by so many!
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.