Robert L. Wilkins

Robert L. Wilkins, 79, of Grinnell died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on August 7, 2017. Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26th, at the Grinnell United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with Rev. David Crow officiating. Soloist will be Kassie Wilkins. Burial at Westfield Cemetery, south of Grinnell, will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City or Grinnell Regional Hospice and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Bob was born March 7, 1938, in Grinnell, the son of Denton and Elizabeth Lee Close Wilkins. He was raised in Grinnell and educated in the Grinnell-Newburg School District, graduating in 1956. On December 5, 1959, he was united in marriage with Anna Louise Latcham, in Grinnell. The couple farmed in Chester Township for many years and then moved to their acreage west of Grinnell in 1982. He then began a 33 year career in the Agronomy Department of Heartland Co-op in Malcom. He enjoyed his co-workers most of all and driving a semi-truck and running a terra-gator. He reluctantly retired in 2015. Bob was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church and Gilman Flying Club. He loved flying and piloting the Gilman Flying Club plane and taking friends on a spin. He enjoyed trips to Minnesota ballgames and kept tabs on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Bob loved Blue Grass, Country and Rock & Roll music. He enjoyed learning to play his guitar with the help of Howard Davis. Most importantly, was his love and devotion for his family. Sharing time with his grandchildren and Louise's daycare children were happy times for him. He enjoyed attending all his family activities, including Tammy's and Chad's sporting events. He held a deep appreciation for all their talents. Trout fishing and deer hunting with his son, Chad was a great highlight! Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 57 years, Louise of Grinnell; two children, Tammy Louise (Terry) Denemark of Monticello and Chad Robert (Faith) Wilkins of Altoona; three grandchildren, Lauryl Wilkins of Des Moines, Kassie Wilkins of Marshalltown and Peyton Denemark of Monticello; his brother, Jim (Suzanne) Wilkins of Grinnell; his brother-in-law, Allen Lavern (Sheila) Latcham of Grinnell; several nieces and nephews, Tracy (Dana) Wilkins of Knoxville, Mike (Rochelle) Wilkins of Grinnell, Matt (Janna) Wilkins of Le Claire, Nick (Kelly) Wilkins of Polk City, Dr. Allan (Susan) Latcham of Waukee, Gary (Cori) Latcham of Altoona, Mike (Cheryl) Latcham of Grinnell, Paul (Jennifer) Latcham of Waukee, Kristi (Joe) Raineri of Ankeny, Lenna (John) Booth of Grinnell and Scott Latcham of Des Moines; three cousins, Beverly Jo (Ed) Vesely, Judith Ann (Fred) Haynes and Jacquelin Jean (Delane) Cizek all of Toledo and other cousins living in Ireland. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Edward and Belle Whitcomb Wilkins; three uncles, Harve Wilkins, William "Buster" McAteer and Robert McAteer; and one aunt, Mae Hunter.