"Sorry to hear about your father"
In loving memory of
Robert E. "Bob" Thrasher
July 22, 1924 - December 1, 2012
Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Thrasher, 88, of Burlington died at 1:16 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born July 22, 1924 in Fort Madison, Iowa he was the son of Albert Merle and Mande Lenore Shauver Thrasher. On June 5, 1944 in Fort Madison he married JoAn L. Peterson. She preceded him in death March 9, 2012. He was a 1942 graduate of Fort Madison High School.
Bob served his country in World War II, fighting in Okinawa as a Staff Sergeant in the 106th Infantry in the United States Army. During his three years, serving from 1943 until 1946, in the Army he received many honors, including the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon
Bob worked in sales, before becoming owner of Merchants Wholesale Company in Burlington for over 30 years. He was a 50+ year Masonic member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa AF&AM. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club of Burlington, the Carthage Lake Club, Moose Lodge #579 of Burlington and was past president of the Iowa Association of Candy & Tobacco Distributors. He was an adult leader in Boy Scouts and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. In retirement, Bob enjoyed working at the Hy-Vee Deli.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Jo (Gary) Hanlin of Woodstock, Illinois; one son, Scott Robert (Kristine) Thrasher of Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren, John (Jessica) Hanlin and Sarah (Brett) Sarbaugh, both of Woodstock, Molly Thrasher and Robert "Bobby" Thrasher, both of Kansas City, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Logan Hanlin and Haley Jo Sarbaugh both of Woodstock; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, JoAn; two brothers; and one sister.
Friends may call after 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 5th in Lunning Chapel with the family receiving friends from noon until 1:00 p.m.
The funeral service for Bob will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5th in Lunning Chapel with Rev. Michael Orthel officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Great River Hospice and the Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial.
Tributes
"Dear family of Bob. I tried to send a message a few minutes ago, but being near 90 yrs. of age, who knows. Bob and I have emailed thru the years and only got together at class reunions. We played football and socialized during our high school days there. He never told me he was ill or under Hospice care, but that was part of his character, never bother others. You are very fortunate to have been close for years to such a delightful, caring, person. I am looking forward to playing football and other games with him, way up there, in the not too distant future. My heartful feelings for each of you. Bill Bergman"
"I didn't know many of you and I know you didn't really know me. I was Bob's pen pal. I wrote to him every chance I got and told him everything that went on in my life. He became a really good friend of mine and I trusted him more than my own sister. My mother took care of the house for some time so she would always pass my letters on to him. I'm just glad I was able to make him happy and be another friend towards the end of his life. I am sorry I won't be able to make it to the funeral. It grieves me greatly because I felt so connected to him. I just can't afford to drive back because I live in Ottumwa now. I send my condolances! I will be praying for you all!!"
"Beautiful tribute of a wonderful loving father! He will be sadly missed! He is with Joanne now in a great place! Our sympathies to all of you! We really enjoyed seeing you some years ago at the reunion at the boat club in Iowa! Your mom and dad always made me feel comfortable every time I visited them. They made me feel like real family! "