Robert M. Loter

1938 - 2023

Robert "Bob" M. Loter, 84, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away at 1:52 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.

Bob was born Dec. 6, 1938, the son of George W. and Cathrine E. (Leeper) Loter in Keokuk. Bob lived his younger years in Warsaw, graduating from Warsaw High School in 1956.

On Nov. 4, 1960, he was united in marriage with Judith A. Davis (Frakes). Together they raised two daughters, Jackie L. and Leisa R., and one son Todd W.

Most all residents of Warsaw knew Bob from his delivering the Daily Gate City Newspaper for over six years, roller skating, and later riding his bike.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving California and Korea, and receiving his honorable discharge in February of 1959.

Returning home from the Army, he worked at the Warsaw Battery Factory, Keokuk Electric Metals, and in 1966 he was employed by General Mills in Keokuk. Over the years, with several company name changes, he retired from Ogilvie Mills in 1985. He and his wife and son moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for warmer weather retirement. After three years of city life, they returned to Hamilton. Bob went to work for Dallas City and Keokuk Homestore Lumber Yards, retiring in 2009 due to poor health. Bob was a good carpenter; he had made several pieces of furniture for his older granddaughters and refinished many antique furniture pieces for their home. He and his wife purchased, remodeled, and sold many houses in the Tri-State area long before the term "flipping houses" was used. Bob was a good friend, always ready to give a helping hand or someone to talk with. He always had a story to tell and enjoyed pulling off a prank or just sitting on his front porch with a cup of coffee and cookies soaking up the sun. He was a caring loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Bob was of the Catholic faith, growing up a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw where he served as an altar boy for 6 years. He was currently an active member of the Church of All Saints in Keokuk.

Bob is survived by Judith, his wife of 63 years; daughters, Jackie Householder of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Leisa (Jerry) McCredie of Eustis, Florida; son Todd W. Loter of Hamilton; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; and sister Sharon Loter of Hamilton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard Loter; sister Patricia Loter; and a brother in infancy.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.

A memorial fund has been established.

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.