Robert Wayne "Bob" Niederhauser

In Loving Memory of Robert Wayne Niederhauser

February 13, 1930 – October 3, 2025

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Robert Wayne "Bob" Niederhauser announces his peaceful passing on October 3, 2025, at 2:13 AM, in the comfort of his own home in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Bob's 95 years were marked by devotion to family, hard work, and a spirit that touched generations.
A celebration of Bob's life and funeral mass will be held on October 10, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The family invites you to come and visit and share memories and stories at the church beginning at 10 am. The mass will begin at 11 am. After mass there will be a gathering at Whitey's Bar and Grill, 125 E Hwy 30, Lisbon, Iowa. Guests are asked to carpool if possible to Whitey's.
Formerly of Anamosa and the Marshalltown area, Bob was born February 13, 1930, in Marshalltown to Roy and Dorothy (Blink) Niederhauser, the oldest of three sons. Bob lived a full life and treasured being with his family more than anything else.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters-in-law, and the mother of his children, Leota Ann (Decker) Niederhauser. Together, they built a legacy of love that continues to grow through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children and their families:
Mary Lynn Altshuler, husband John Altshuler; grandchildren Gaia Altshuler and India (Josh) Wright.
William Niederhauser, wife Priscilla Niederhauser; grandchildren Haley Niederhauser (Michael Drobnick) (great-grandchildren Lila, Stella, and Leonardo), and Mylee Niederhauser (Owen Dukowitz) (great-grandchildren Bishop, Kynzlee, and Finley).
Jerry Niederhauser, wife Nancy Niederhauser; grandchildren Jacob Niederhauser and Olivia Niederhauser.
John Niederhauser, wife Charlotte Niederhauser.
Chiara Burke, husband Matt Burke; grandchildren Margaret Slaymaker (Brock) (great-grandchildren Reagan, Rowan, and Rozlyn); Mollie Zimmerman (Dan) (great-grandchildren Matthew, Thomas, and Joseph); Scott Burke (Kim).
Rob Niederhauser, wife Julie Niederhauser; grandchild Jeramiah Niederhauser (Leah).
Molly Jo Wolfe, husband Douglas Wolfe; grandchildren Jessica Faber (Cory), Melissa Goetz (Max) (great-grandchildren Teegan and Anistyn), and Spencer Bertling (great-grandchildren Gabi and Braelynn).
Lisa Oelrich, husband Buck Oelrich; grandchildren Clinton King (Helen) (great-grandchildren Audrey and Owen), Leeann Oelrich (Richard), Gretchen Oelrich, Rachael Oelrich, and Tori Oelrich.
Polly Ann Blythe, husband Bob Blythe; grandchildren Robbie Blythe (Kerry) (great-grandchildren Rosalie Kleinmeyer and Dorothy and James), Lisa Blythe-Ross (Corey), and Chiara Blythe (great-grandchild Bobbi Blythe).
William Durchenwald, wife Stacia Durchenwald
James Durchenwald, husband Christen Sowards
He is also survived by his two brothers, Gerald Niederhauser and Richard Niederhauser, two special cousins, Donna Wolken and Merl Niederhauser, several generations of nieces and nephews and many grand dogs, as well as several special friends, including Bill Werderman, his auction buddy.
Bob's greatest pride was found in his family, the lives of the people he served, and the community of Mount Vernon. His ever-present smile will be remembered by all who knew him.
Bob grew up in the Haverhill area and was the only boy in his country school class for six years. He loved to play baseball and was a lifelong Cubs fan. Bob started picking vegetables for the Jack Sprat Company in Marshalltown when he was 12 years old. A true work ethic was something he and Leota instilled in all their children.
Bob was in the grocery business in one way or another for his entire working career and he and his family owned Bob's Super Valu in Mount Vernon from 1957 to 1971. He then went on to own or manage other grocery stores and eventually worked on the other side of the business as a sales rep. He had a passion for collecting vintage advertising tins, containers and other antiques, and was able to turn that into a business with his youngest daughter, Polly Ann, beginning in 1991.
After retiring, he was an antique dealer and continued this until the time of his death. He was known far and wide for his antiques savvy and was a regular with many auctioneers as #13.
Bob played fast-pitch softball in Mount Vernon and his store sponsored many ball teams. He and his family were instrumental in helping build St. John's Catholic Church in Mount Vernon and he was a member there when he passed.
He loved to fish, a passion he inherited from his parents, and he was fortunate enough to travel to Alaska to fish with his children over 40 different times. His annual Alaska trip was something he looked forward to all year long and he greatly treasured the time he got to spend with his Alaska kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He made his last trip there in 2023 when he was 93 years old.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation be made in Bob's name to one of his lifelong favorite charities, Camp Courageous of Iowa www.campcourageous.org/donation-page/
The family would also like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Mercy for the wonderful care that Bob and his family received from them.
Bob had many wise words in his final days, the very last of which were these… "Okay guys and gals, that will be all for tonight. I want to thank you all for coming. Now just go home and be kind to each other."