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Robert E. Wege, age 95, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at Memorial Community Care in Aurora, Nebraska.
He was born on October 21, 1929, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to the late William and Edna (Ferris) Wege. He was baptized and confirmed in Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk High School in 1947.
On July 25, 1948, Robert was united in marriage to Mary Ann Schaffer in Norfolk. Together they were blessed with three children: William, Cheryl, and Ronald.
In 1948, Robert joined the Iowa Army National Guard. A year later, he accepted a full-time position in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1955, he transferred to Council Bluffs, and in 1973 he was promoted to Camp Dodge in Des Moines, where he was appointed the first Command Sergeant Major for the state of Iowa. He retired from military service in 1984, after a distinguished career marked by dedication and leadership.
Following retirement, Robert and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe with family and friends. He especially cherished time spent with his family. His commitment to service continued in his retirement years-he volunteered and served on numerous boards and committees at Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served as Development Director for the Lutheran Home. He also held leadership roles including President of the Sergeant Major Association and President of the 34th Infantry Division Association, and he served on the Citizens Advisory Board for the Council Bluffs Police Department.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Wege; son, Ronald Lee Wege; son-in-law, Howard Holland; and siblings, Earl (Velma) Wege and Donna Mae (Mel) Kimes.
He is survived by his children, Bill Wege (Joan VonTersch-Wege) and Cheryl Holland; grandchildren, Karla (Ralph) Loubeau and Jenna (Steve) Hurst; great-grandchildren, Chloe Loubeau, Emmie Loubeau, Ruby Hurst, and Eli Hurst; sister-in-law, Doris Schaffer; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Robert's honor.
1221 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-0143
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