John Robert "Bob" Kurrle

John Robert "Bob" Kurrle

Nov. 29, 1931 - Feb. 14, 2024

DES MOINES, Iowa - Longtime Wenona resident John Robert "Bob" Kurrle passed away February 14, 2024, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, IA. He was 92.

He was born on November 29, 1931, in Jacksonville, IL, to John Albert and Geraldine (Lamb) Kurrle. In 1934, the family moved to Wenona, where the elder Kurrle established a dry goods store that would ultimately expand to include four locations. Bob graduated from Wenona High School and Drake University. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lt. Junior Grade as a communications officer on the aircraft carriers Wasp, Essex, and Yorktown.

He married Greta Appleton, the love of his life, on June 15, 1958. They had first met in kindergarten and attended high school prom together.

Bob worked with his father and subsequently owned and operated Kurrle's Department Stores until retiring in the early 1990s. He was active in Bethany Lutheran Church, Wenona Lodge #344 AF&AM, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, and other local organizations too numerous to list. He served on the Board of Wenona State Bank from 1982 until 2014, when he and Greta moved to be closer to family in Des Moines.

Bob loved the outdoors, whether in a tree stand or at Wrigley Field. In his 60's, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of learning to fly, earning his private pilot's license and contributing much gray hair to his wife and children. He was an avid runner, winning 5K medals into his mid-80's. His hand-carved duck decoys were locally recognized for their craftsmanship, and his woodworking talents with cradles, airplanes and rocking horses are treasured by his grandchildren. He was endlessly inquisitive and experienced much of the world through travels in the Navy and with Greta. In his final years, he relived college days by enjoying Drake basketball games and sharing the occasional beer with his somewhat younger brothers at the SAE fraternity house.

He was predeceased by his wife Greta; sister, Nancy; and daughter, Martha in infancy. He is survived by sister, Priscilla of Peoria; as well as children: Polly Clark (Jim Slife) of Des Moines, IA, Gail Bradburn (Jeff) of Litchfield, IL, and Jonathan (Diane) of Arlington, VA; seven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life and Graveside Service will be held in Wenona, at a date to be announced. Memorials may be directed to the Wenona Cemetery Association, Bethany Lutheran Church of Wenona, or the Scottish Rite Park Good Neighbor Fund.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.