Bob Lafrentz
November 6, 1933 — October 10, 2024
Robert “Bob” Harold Lafrentz was born on November 6, 1933, in Council Bluffs, to Harold and Emma Koos Lafrentz. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church (Peace United Church of Christ) in Walnut. Last year he was recognized as being the longest living member. Bob graduated from Walnut High School in 1951. He attended Iowa State for one year before enlisting into the United States Army. On February 19, 1955, Bob married Darlene Goettsch in Atlanta, Georgia. Together they raised their four daughters: Diane, Debra, Dona, Doreen (Susie) in Walnut. They were married for 34 years before Darlene passed away in 1989. In June of 1994, Bob married LaDonna Jones Namanny. The two of them spent their winters in Arizona, until 2000 when LaDonna passed away.
After serving in the Army, Bob remained working with his father at Lafrentz Standard. He eventually took over in 1971, where he enjoyed friendships throughout southwest Iowa. The station was his life and passion, but he always made time for his kids and grandkids sporting events. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, and his family vacations often involved attending baseball games. He was an avid Arizona State Sun Devils fan. Bob enjoyed going to softball and baseball games during his time in Arizona. He loved music and loved to dance.
Bob passed away on October 10, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Emma, wives Darlene and LaDonna, daughter Deb, brother-in-law Howard Goettsch; great-granddaughter Ryann Leinen; and step-sons Keith and Kevin Namanny.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Diane (Brent) Petersen of Walnut, Iowa; Dona Grooms of Walnut, Iowa; Doreen “Sus” (Henri Day) of Boulder City, Nevada; son-in-law Max Petersen of Walnut, Iowa; 9 grandchildren: Corey (Jaime) Petersen, Melissa (Mike) Akers, Ryan (Taryn) Troll, Ashley (Brian) Williams, Jill Troll (Larry Hagadon), Lacey Grooms, Danny (Ashlee) Petersen, Jenny Petersen (Gary Claussen), and Jessie Petersen. 19 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Charlie, Clayton, Maegan, Miranda, Harper, Symbree, Taylee, Whitlee, Laney, KJ, Jackson, Quinn, Cora, Landon, Jacob, Jace, and baby Claussen; sister-in-law Mary Ann Goettsch; step-sons: Kraig, Ken and Kerry Namanny; step-grandchildren Scott Petersen and Nicki Ranney; the 5th Lafrentz Kelly Monson; other family and many friends.
After serving in the Army, Bob remained working with his father at Lafrentz Standard. He eventually took over in 1971, where he enjoyed friendships throughout southwest Iowa. The station was his life and passion, but he always made time for his kids and grandkids sporting events. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, and his family vacations often involved attending baseball games. He was an avid Arizona State Sun Devils fan. Bob enjoyed going to softball and baseball games during his time in Arizona. He loved music and loved to dance.
Bob passed away on October 10, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Emma, wives Darlene and LaDonna, daughter Deb, brother-in-law Howard Goettsch; great-granddaughter Ryann Leinen; and step-sons Keith and Kevin Namanny.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Diane (Brent) Petersen of Walnut, Iowa; Dona Grooms of Walnut, Iowa; Doreen “Sus” (Henri Day) of Boulder City, Nevada; son-in-law Max Petersen of Walnut, Iowa; 9 grandchildren: Corey (Jaime) Petersen, Melissa (Mike) Akers, Ryan (Taryn) Troll, Ashley (Brian) Williams, Jill Troll (Larry Hagadon), Lacey Grooms, Danny (Ashlee) Petersen, Jenny Petersen (Gary Claussen), and Jessie Petersen. 19 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Charlie, Clayton, Maegan, Miranda, Harper, Symbree, Taylee, Whitlee, Laney, KJ, Jackson, Quinn, Cora, Landon, Jacob, Jace, and baby Claussen; sister-in-law Mary Ann Goettsch; step-sons: Kraig, Ken and Kerry Namanny; step-grandchildren Scott Petersen and Nicki Ranney; the 5th Lafrentz Kelly Monson; other family and many friends.
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