Robert Lee "Bobby" Loftus

Robert Lee "Bobby" Loftus, 64, went to be with the Lord, peacefully, with his family by his side on January 4, 2026. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

Bobby was born on October 17, 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa to Donald Loftus, Sr. and Freda (McGuire) Loftus as the youngest of four children. He attended East High School (sometimes). He married Suzanne Long and together they welcomed a son, Ryan. Although they later divorced, Bobby remained proud of his role as a father.

He worked for the Des Moines Register in the 1980's, before beginning a long career in the flooring trade, where he built a reputation as a hard worker who took pride in doing things the right way. He continued working in the trade, retiring in the last year. He was married to Shelly Gruhn in the mid 1990's, where he gained two step sons, Donnie Kay and Shane Gruhn. Following their divorce, he later welcomed a daughter, Rachel. Then in 2014, he began a long-time relationship with Beth "Beffie" Houghton and his loving dog Jazzy.

When he wasn't watching Jazzy, he enjoyed fishing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and spending time with friends and family. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed laughing and making others laugh along with him.

Above all else, Bobby loved his family. He was proud of his children, stepchildren and grandchildren. He took his role as a father seriously, even when life was complicated. He will be remembered for showing up in his own way and for the lessons he passed on through his actions.

Bobby is survived by his son, Ryan (Mandy) Loftus, grandchildren, Avarie and Callie Loftus; daughter, Rachel; step son, Donnie (Meaghan) Kay and their children, Owen, Cameron and Arie; step granddaughter, Jada Gruhn; girlfriend, Beffie Houghton and her children, Amber, Toby and Ashley and their children; his siblings, Leonard (Becky) Loftus and Kenny (Rhonda) Loftus, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families and his beloved dog, Jazzy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donnie Gene Loftus and step son, Shane Gruhn.

Bobby will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the lives he touched and the work he was proud to stand behind.

Memorials may be directed to his family. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.