Robert David Meek

Robert David Meek was born at home in northeast Des Moines to Victor Irl and Mary Agnes Meek on October 16, 1939, and left this world on December 9, 2025.

Bob grew up in Des Moines with three older brothers, Philip, Howard (Dick) and Jerry. After spending a few teenage years in California, he returned to Des Moines, graduating from East Des Moines High School in January 1958. The next week he enrolled at Grand View Junior College, graduating with a two-year degree.

During the first few weeks of classes at Grand View, he met a tall Norwegian-American girl, Janis Jurgensen-- both were instantly smitten! Bob and Jan were married in 1959 and had their first son, Marc David in 1960. In 1962, Bob moved the family to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 1964 and Master's Degree in 1969 at the (now) University of Northern Iowa. A second son, Eric Nevin, was born in 1965 in Cedar Falls, completing their family.

Bob taught social studies, history, geography and English at Holmes Junior High in Cedar Falls. 1970 brought a move to Rockford, Illinois, where he was Principal in the Rockford Public Schools, followed later as Principal in Ayrshire, Iowa, and Garnavillo, Iowa. The family returned to Des Moines in 1975, bought a home, and settled here. Bob and Jan travelled extensively during their 66 years together. Using Eurail passes, they visited England, Europe, and Scandinavia in the summer of 1971. Later trips with the boys included many states in the USA and Canada. Bob and Jan visited Norway three times to visit and travel the country
with her relatives. In 2009, the two journeyed to New Zealand and Australia, followed by trips to Hawaii and Switzerland with Eric and Joan.

Bob was devoted to his family, loved the USA, and was always proud to see the beautiful American Flag. He was intelligent, had a "gift of gab," always had a quick comeback, and possessed a keen sense of humor. Hobbies included: watching cartoons and vintage movies with Marc, listening to music of all genres, golfing, and many years hunting waterfowl and pheasants with Eric. He had his first dental filling at age 85; hydrangeas were his favorite flowers. Bob will always be remembered for his gentle manner, loving heart, kindness and integrity that defined his character.

His spirit will live on in those who love him: Janis (wife), son Eric (Joan) Meek, grandchildren Madeline (Mel) Mehmedovic, Grant (Elle) Meek, "bonus granddaughters" Rachel, Colette and Allison Hussey; great grandchildren Benjamin, Josephine and Blake, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews and extended family. Gone before Bob are his parents, all three brothers and son, Marc David.