Robert (Bob) Augustus Jardon, age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2008, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Robert was born on April 27, 1914 to Francis Celestine and Margaret Edna (Bourke) Jardon in the house his father built in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Bob attended Maur Hill High School in Atchison, Kansas, completing their two-year program. He graduated from the Baldwin City High School and then attended a short Agricultural Course at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. He grew up dairy and row crop farming and purchased his first farm in 1939 near Baldwin City.
Robert was united in marriage to Lucille Kathryn Laughlin of Imogene, Iowa at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa on September 23, 1943. Following their marriage, Robert and Lucille farmed near Baldwin City, Kansas. In 1947 they moved their farm operation to Randolph, Iowa, where they continued to expand their registered Holstein and row crop farm. Robert was active in the farming operations making management decisions until the time of his death. He combined corn and beans at the age of 91!
Bob was active in Farm Bureau and served as the president of the organization for Douglas County, Kansas. He was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, member of the Kiwanis, and served on the Board of Supervisors in Fremont County for eight years. Bob was very active in Holstein and milk marketing and other farm organizations. He received many agricultural awards throughout his life. Among these are the Wallace Farmer's Master Farmer Award, and Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association Farm Family of the Year. He was recognized as a leader in the implementation of soil conservation and land stewardship practices.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Lucille; siblings, Sister Frances Marie Jardon, OSB; Francis Jardon and Bourke Jardon; a son-in-law, Roger McCampbell; a grandson, Carl Palmcook; special friend, Norma Maxine; five brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Frank and Laura Jardon of Imogene, Iowa; Ed and Marge Jardon of St. Louis, Missouri; Joe and Mary Jardon of Red Oak, Iowa; John and Margaret Jardon of Downers Grove, Illinois; Marie and Glen Redig of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; Kay and Bill Palmcook of Vulcan, Michigan; Louise and Leonard Untiedt of St. Joseph, Missouri; Julia and Keith Dyche of Shenandoah, Iowa; Norma and Tom Troxel of Farragut, Iowa; Phillip and Denise Jardon of Carroll, Iowa; and Carl and Denise Jardon of Randolph, Iowa; along with 35 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters, Catherine (Jardon) Roos of Shawnee, Kansas; Irene (Jardon) Roos of Mission, Kansas; Marcella (Jardon) Roos of Appleton City, Missouri; and Josephine "Jo" (Jardon) and her husband Ray Braun of Edgerton, Kansas; and three sisters-in-law.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Celebrants were Rev. Ken Gross and Rev. Vern Smith. Lector was Marty Maher. Altar servers were Brian and Chelsea Nebel. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing. The duet of Jane Emge and Sue Hanna sang. Offertory was given by Rebecca Jardon, Grace Jardon, Amy Jardon and Katherine Jardon. Ministers of Holy Communion were Denise (Carl) Jardon and Vaughn Livingston. Honorary casket bearers were all of Bob's friends, especially, Maury Reavis, Jerry Head and Michael "Bud" Laughlin. Casket bearers were Dan Jardon, Tim Jardon, Kevin Redig, Wes Gee, Derek Jardon, Ryan Jardon, Mark Jardon, Brian Redig, Kent Dreyer, J. R. Gee and Wyatt Jardon. Caring for the flowers were Louise Ronnau, Suzzie Downey and Mary Jo Sutton. Attending the memory register were Pam Nebel and Melodie Doyle. Ushers were Gary Nebel, James Doyle, George McGargill and Rob Lightfoot. Bell Toller was Michael "Bud" Laughlin. Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Imogene. A memorial is being established. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.