Robert L. Backstrom

1928 - 2025

Robert L. "Eagle" Backstrom, 97, of West Newton, died Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. He was born Feb. 23, 1928, a son of the late Walter and Jessie (Everett) Backstrom. Bob was a veteran of the Army, serving in the Korean War. He was a member of LOOM No. 31 and VFW Post No. 7812, both of West Newton, and F&AM No. 252 Tri County Lodge of Donora. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Gloria (Mendarino) Backstrom; children, Robert W. Backstrom and wife, Anne Marie, and Michele Phillips and husband, Chad; grandchildren, Kailie Czapek and husband, Brian, and Morgan Backstrom, and Christopher Price; step-grandchildren, Julian and Thomas Waters; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Charles and David Backstrom; and nephews, Danny and David Backstrom. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at J. WILLIAM MCCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME, 901 Vine St., West Newton. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Christ Lutheran Church, Vine and Second St., West Newton. Interment with military honors will follow in West Newton Cemetery. Condolences may be left at http://www.mccauleyfuneralhome.com.