Robert L. Nye

Robert Louis Nye, 90, of Keokuk, died at 9:51 AM Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Robert Louis Nye was born January 20, 1928, in Keokuk, Iowa, son of John Louis and Thelma Alice Miller Nye. On March 21, 1946, he married Evelyn Bernice Mann at the Keokuk Gospel Center. She preceded him in death on November 28, 2016. Bob was a lifelong resident of Keokuk. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Bob attended Bel Air Baptist Church. He was first employed by Schneider's Monument Works for 23 years. He worked at White House Dairy and then Peter's Dairy delivering milk to homes and to stores. He then went to work for Hubingers for 41 years. He worked for the three railroads reclaiming grain doors for 10 years. He also worked for Jewitt Fulton, and for many others where he could be of use. Bob was known for his "can do" attitude and "get 'er done" work ethic. He had the rare ability to make any menial task seem fun. Working with him was always educational and entertaining. He delighted in helping people and sharing the bounty of his garden. He loved the Lord, and he loved his family. He was "Superman" to his family. He was...[more]

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e first call whenever help was needed and he always came through. Whatever the need, he was there. His family adored him and believed he was able to do anything. He was a loving Grampy, doting on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a resourceful man, generous with his time, talents, and treasure. He was a great encourager, always ready to share a story or sing a song. He used silly stories and songs to lift the downhearted, or simply entertain those around him. His life was a beautiful demonstration of Godly love, unconditional, unearned. He was proud and supportive of his children and grands; always "in their corner". He was a lovingly gentle disciplinarian, when necessary, and led by example. A life well lived. Bob is survived by four children: Bobbie B. (Lem) Blankenship; Susan J. (Dennis) Schulte both of Keokuk, IA; Gariann (Kirk) Mickelson of Argyle, IA and Lynn (Karen) Nye of Danville, IA; nine grandchildren: Troy (Tarris) Blankenship; Travis (Gail) Schulte; Tyler (Kathy) Schulte; Valerie (Ryan) Morford; Kyle (Alanna) Mickelson; Joe (Joy) Nye; Jacob (Melissa) Nye; Jerad (Annie) Nye and Krista (Weston) Carter; twenty-one great grandchildren: Nicole, Troy Lem, Amya, and Natalie Blankenship; Jacob, Zach, and Wyatt Schulte; Ashley (Christian) Hallock; Amy (Keith) Carothers; Aaron Wheatley; Kayla Morford; Evelyn and Kenzie Mickelson; Malachi and Drew Nye; Emma and Isabelle Nye; Kimber Carter, Cooper Nye and Caden and Chloe, and one on the way; five great great-grandchildren: Kaileigh, Kyra and Kade Carothers; Beckton and Eisley Hallock: two sisters, Oneneta DePron of Rock, Island, Illinois and Judy Wihlfehrt of Alaska: four foreign exchange grandchildren: Sylia of Finland; Juan of Spain; Viktor of Ukraine; Ruben of Honduras; special friends whom he considered family: caregiver Betty McFarland, Karen Hempen, and Steve Freel; one aunt, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn, a brother John and twin-sisters Myrtle and Martha, and daughter-in-law, Teri. A Celebration of his life will be held at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street at 11:00 AM Monday, October 22, 2018, with Pastor Mike Shea officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 21 from 5 to 7 PM, with family meeting friends at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street. Memorials may be made to Bel Air Baptist Church or Forest Springs Camp in Westboro, Wisconsin.