Dr. Robert Wayne Deegan
July 4, 1943 - June 20, 2012

"Marilyn, Anne Marie, Lynn 20+ years ago I had the extreme pleasure of living out at Fallow Downs and getting to know Rob and all of you. I have always cherished those times and I want you to know that Rob's presence in my life, although it was brief, has always been with me. I've not met anyone like him since and don't think I ever will. He was one of a kind. I wish I could have spent more time with him and all of you. Keep him close to your hearts always and know that I will also. I'm sorry that I couldn't make it down today, it just wasn't possible..."

"We spent many fun times with Rob and Marilyn.........eating, laughing, making music. He was such a brilliant and talented guy."

"Not only was Rob one of the first folks to welcome me (John) to this area (and to astonish me with his wicked wit and wonderfulness at a party during MAME rehearsals, so very long ago), Janet and I continue to savor memories of moments with him and Marilyn at Andrew plays, attending regularly for decades, without any children or necessary connection to the program. Conversation with the Deegans always brightened intermission or lifted aftershow blues. We enjoyed every rehearsal for every play in which we got to work with him at Kirchhoff (and elsewhere). And his performances were unforgettable gems, invariably. Janet never encountered Rob, even in these later years, without receiving a huge smile and a hug. And a chance encounter with Rob, even without words in recent times, was enough to illuminate even the darkest days. Marilyn, Anne Marie and Lynne -- "Dr. D" will forever be one of the very best and brightest, adored and treasured in our hearts and minds."

"Happy B-day Doc. We love you & know we will someday be together again. I know you're wearing that 4th of July hat today! Thank you for teaching me how to live life a little better."

"We are so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I enjoyed working with him with our 4H groups. Rob (Doc) Deegan was our vet from time he started practice until he went to New Zealand. He was always willing to check on a new procedure or treatment for some of our exotics. We had some interesting conversations and we will always remember his smile and stories he shared. "

"Marilyn, So sorry to hear of Rob"s passing. I will always remember working with him at PPP productions, and the movie theater. He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him. "

"Marylin and entire Deegan clan, I was so very sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I like everyone else who ever has had the pleasure of knowing Doc Deegan have many terrific, tremendous ,humorous and heartfelt memories . Rob will always be remembered for all the laughter and the happy moments he has given to us all . My world is a better place for having known him . He will be sorely missed . y"

"A few minutes ago I was shocked & saddened when I saw Rob's obituary on Carson's web site! The memories began to flow. I first remembered working with Rob in PPP's production of "Mame" and then later in the "Iowa Banker's Review" where Rob played guitar and sang the songs of the Statler Brothers. What fun rehearsing at Rochelle's and then off to DesMoines. Dean & I also remembered such happy times at "get togethers" and parties where Rob's smile and humor brought laughter to everyone. Heaven is now blessed and indeed Maquoketa will miss his fun presence in our lives. Marilyn, Anne Marie, and Lynn- please know Dean & I are thinking of you knowing that the legacy your husband and father left you will live forever in your hearts. "

"Marilyn and All, Jennifer and I had the privilege of knowing and loving Rob longer than many. The day I met him he did me a great favor - loaned me the use of his sofa to sleep on until my apartment came vacant. That was the start of a friendship that spanned continents, oceans, and some 44 years. We shared each others weddings, family, joys and sorrows.For this we are truly grateful. After our visit in May, I can honestly, if sorrowfully, say that his passing was a blessing for him. We can be sure he is now smiling on us (and probably keeping the Good Lord in stitches!) He was my best friend, and I will miss him."

"I had the opportunity to work with "Doc" for the few months that our EMA appointments overlapped. It was always a valuable and interesting perspective that Doc brought to our discussion. Being an old farm boy myself, I personally enjoyed the times when we could discuss livestock and other agricultural concerns. I think it is fitting that you will be having a Celabration of Life for Doc. "

"To Marilyn and Family, we offer our heartfelt condolences. No commercial card can begin to express the emotion felt or the impact, and our concern for you and yours. We, sadly, only knew Rob for ten years, but our intermittent encounters were always pleasant and welcome. I always looked forward to contacts made with the three or four of us, all under varied circumstances and opportunities. We were anticipating the camaraderie planned in July and will miss his participation. We also must bear the impact of his passing. I considered Rob a true friend, with his compassion for life and a consideration of others, he warmed our hearts, just with his presence. He was serious and professional at the right times, but always dedicated to whatever endeavor he immediately pursued. His optimistic exuberance of life and ever present humor, sometimes dry, was enchanting. His many varied activities and stories held our interest and enticed communication. Always giving, seldom taking, Rob was and gave joy. Although he has sailed off to be with God, our memories, all good, will help immortalize a wonderful individual, one who I graciously enjoyed and admired, a true friend. "

"My favorite memory of Rob is all the fun songs he sang and the smiles on my kids faces and mine too. Where ever he was preforming we would try to be there. He touched lots of lives with his music. He will be missed."

"Marilyn, Anne, Lynn, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although it has been many years since I have seen him, I always loved being around Mr. Deegan. He was such a warm, engaging, welcoming, and FUN man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

"Marilyn and Family, We just learned of Rob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go with you. I am so glad to have known Rob."

"Marilyn, sorry to hear about Rob. My sympathy to you and your family. "

"Dear Deegan Family, Rob will be missed in so many ways and so many memories have been written here. We will truly miss him also. It will be hard not to see him in church and choir, the Black Velvet Band and Peace Pipe Players. But his spirit will be everywhere. He brought joy and laughter to so many people in our community with his roles in Peace Pipe Player productions. No matter the size of his role, he was always a star and now he is a star in heaven."

"Marilyn..this may be a bit late, but know that i am thinking of you in this sad time.. but you are a strong person and you know Rob would want you to laugh over some of the silly things he has done in life...what a man!!! God has his hands full with music and humor with him..."

"Prayers and love go out to all of family and friends. He was such a nice person who made u feel welcome when u were in his presence.."

"Marilyn and family, We are very sorry to read of Robs passing. We didn't realize that his sickness was so advanced. Last we knew you had moved to town. Doc was such a fun person to talk to he had a sense of humor that you don't see in too many people. He was one of a kind that's for sure. The boys enjoyed helping with the deer years ago and we would often take visitors by to see them when they were along the road in the pen. I will never forget the conversation he had with one of the neighbor ladies about your llama and how he wouldn't allow it to be with females because they were so mean to him. (That's putting it nicely). We really had a laugh that day. Always willing to help others out also. When Jane's barn burndt down he was at our house helping build feeders for the sheep. Had alot of laughs that day too. So many good memories you will cherish of him throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout this difficult time. RIP Doc you will be greatly missed by many."

"Marilyn and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It wasn't all that long ago that I saw the both of you, and Rob had the biggest smile as he always did. We will remember our the last visit before you moved to town when Rob proposed the toast. It was nice having you as neighbors and friends in our own little neck of the woods. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. "

"I remember Dr. Deegan's gentleness and compassion when it came time to put my dog Tootsie down. He was a wonderful vet. He will be missed. My sympathies"

"Marilyn and family, So sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to you. Steve and Kathy Klocke"

"Deegan Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort you in your time of need."

"Anne & Lynn, My deepest sympathies to all of your during this difficult time. Your happy memories will give you great comfort now and for the coming days and months. "

"Marilyn and family, I am so sorry for ur lost of ur dad. It was a pleasure and a honor to take care of such a nice gentlemen. Once again i am sorry for ur loss. U will be in my prayers."

"Marilyn, Anne, and Lynn, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches that you had to loose your dad and husband so soon. I di not know rob well but he was always very kind to me, and the kindness shows in the rest of his family. What a great legacy. "

"Dr. Deegan's love of life, his fun loving nature, and his quick wit, always made running into him a pleasant experience. I always felt welcomed in his presence, and I have no doubt that he touched many lives. My deepest condolences. He truly had a life worth celebrating!"

"Marilyn- so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. We enjoyed or relationship with Rob during our time in Maquoketa, especially visits to the farm. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."

"Marilyn and family, Rob was a great person and his humor and kindness will always be remembered! Memories of you and me working back stage with sound affects "thunder" and watching Rob and my sister Rosie! The crowd was on the floor with laughter! He was a star and now he is a star in The Lord's Heaven! Loved him for his kind nature with people and animals! May the good memories give you strength and ease the pain of loss. God bless you all."

"Marilyn & girls.... So, so sorry to hear of your loss... Rob was a very kind, gentle man. I will always remember the both of you welcoming a spot on your land to bury our beloved Beagle, Brittany, when she passed away unexpectedly. He was also so funny, and always ready with his smile. I'm so sorry that he had to endure he last years of the disease that robbed him of his life, but am rejoicing that he is whole and happy with Jesus right now!!! Celebrate his life! Love you Marilyn!"

"Deegan Family! I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Your family was a special part of my childhood! "

"Marilyn and Girls - I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Rob - for his family, friends, and community. What an awesome man he was and what a wonderful family he had. Keep hold of the many, many great memories you have of a great man. He was such a gift to all - with his intelligence, kindness, wit, and talents. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "

"Marilyn and family - I' sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I didn't know him for as many years as some, but he was always a bright spot in my day when I ran into him. What a great sense of humor. He will be missed by the whole community."

"We were so sorry to hear of Rob's illness and passing. Although we haven't been in touch over the years, we will always be grateful for all the help and kindnesses he and Marilyn shared with us when we were starting out with fallow deer. Our deepest sympathies."

"I first became acquainted with Rob when I saw him in Peace Pipe Players production of "What's Afoot". And over the years since then I became involved with PPP and saw and visited with Rob many times. He was always smiling and ready to visit. When I would call he and Marilyn to volunteer for PPP productions they were always willing to help. . He always had a smile on his face and usually a joke or two. When Rob was in Australia, I always enjoyed his articles on the Editorial page of the Maquoketa Sentinel Press Even in the last few years when his illness was causing him more problems he still had that smile even if he couldn't tell me a joke. Rob will be missed by many friends and family near and far. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Rob's family."

"The Irish... Be they kings, or poets, or farmers, They're a people of great worth, They keep company with the angels, And bring a bit of heaven here to earth"

"Dear Marilyn and Girls, I have missed Rob's hugs on Thursday mornings when making those prayer sheet copies for him. His smile and sense of humor even though he was fading was very powerful for me. He gave me strength just by showing strength himself. Marilyn, you to have given me strength by example.. God bless each of you as you move through each day. I am praying for and thinking of you all. Much love always,"

"Marilyn, Ann Marie, and Lynne, I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. He was such a wonderful man that brought so much joy to others. Hold on to the amazing memories you have! You have my deepest sympathy."

"Dear Marilyn and girls, Our hearts are so saddened today at the loss of this wonderful man. I have one of the best memories of Dr. Rob which forever is in my heart about how deeply caring he was. It was the time our black lab had been hit out on the Cave's Road and we called him and caught him at home in the shower! He quickly came out to our house and tried everything he could to try to save our dog. That won him over in our hearts and he was our Vet forever after. He had the kindest, gentle spirit which was not just with animals but everyone. I don't ever recall seeing him without that big warm smile! You know you have been truly blessed with this man who lived his life blessing others. May he now be held gently in the arms of Jesus until we are all with him again! Continue to stay strong and courageous as the Lord takes you through these days and months ahead! "

"Marilyn and Girls, Thank you for sharing your husband and father with so many of us. He was a joy and a 'hoot' bringing laughter to the point of tears through his songs and his stage performances. We cannot put into words the loving friendship that we have had with Rob and you, Mairlyn, for so many years. You have been and will continue to be in our prayers."

"Dear Marilyn and girls, We are so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. We have so many fond memories of Rob, We know that he is in a better placenow. Hold on to all of the wonderful memories that you shared together and we pray that God will give you the strength to endure your pain and grieving. You are in our prayers."