Robert Bob Theulen
November 29, 1932 — August 16, 2008
Bob Theulen was born Stephen Joseph on November 29, 1932 in Monroe, Nebraska according to records from Catholic Social Services. He was placed on a train from Columbus, Nebraska, and moved to St. James Orphanage in Omaha at birth. In July 1933, he was adopted by John and Dorothy Theulen and spent his youth in Persia and Earling, Iowa. Adoption would become a central theme in his life.
Bob graduated from St. Joseph High School in Earling, Iowa, in 1952 and was known as a standout pitcher in Western Iowa baseball. On June 1, 1957, he married Janice Herbst of Panama. He also at marriage adopted nine brothers and sisters: Carol, Diane, Dan, Jean, Don, Bill, Peg, Ted, and Jim Herbst and adopted a second set of parents: Elmber and Agnes Herbst.
Bob and Jan lived in Omaha until 1963, when they made their home in Panama for the remainder of his life. To their marriage four ornery boys were born (Robbie would have had it no other way): Jeff, Mike, Paul, and Jack. During this time, Bob also adopted three daughters: Julie Lapke, Michele Engle, and Jennifer Bruck. Finally he was blessed with six grandchildren: Stephen, Allison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan.
Bob was a truck driver most of his life. He loved cars and loved to drive. He also was a devoted NASCAR fan and loved being around family both natural and adopted. He died at his home in Panama, with his family, attaining the age of seventy-five years, eight months, and fifteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Theulen and Elmer and Agnes Herbst.
Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Jan Theulen of Panama, Iowa; his sons Jeff Theulen and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mike Theulen and his wife Michele of Laveen, Arizona, Paul Theulen of Panama, Iowa, and Jack Theulen and his wife Jennifer of Alleman, Iowa; six grandchildren: Stephen, Alison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan; nieces and nephews; other family members, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 with Rev. John Dorton celebrating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary�s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Urn bearer was Paul Theulen with interment held at St. Mary�s Cemetery in Panama.
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Bob graduated from St. Joseph High School in Earling, Iowa, in 1952 and was known as a standout pitcher in Western Iowa baseball. On June 1, 1957, he married Janice Herbst of Panama. He also at marriage adopted nine brothers and sisters: Carol, Diane, Dan, Jean, Don, Bill, Peg, Ted, and Jim Herbst and adopted a second set of parents: Elmber and Agnes Herbst.
Bob and Jan lived in Omaha until 1963, when they made their home in Panama for the remainder of his life. To their marriage four ornery boys were born (Robbie would have had it no other way): Jeff, Mike, Paul, and Jack. During this time, Bob also adopted three daughters: Julie Lapke, Michele Engle, and Jennifer Bruck. Finally he was blessed with six grandchildren: Stephen, Allison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan.
Bob was a truck driver most of his life. He loved cars and loved to drive. He also was a devoted NASCAR fan and loved being around family both natural and adopted. He died at his home in Panama, with his family, attaining the age of seventy-five years, eight months, and fifteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Theulen and Elmer and Agnes Herbst.
Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Jan Theulen of Panama, Iowa; his sons Jeff Theulen and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mike Theulen and his wife Michele of Laveen, Arizona, Paul Theulen of Panama, Iowa, and Jack Theulen and his wife Jennifer of Alleman, Iowa; six grandchildren: Stephen, Alison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan; nieces and nephews; other family members, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 with Rev. John Dorton celebrating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary�s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Urn bearer was Paul Theulen with interment held at St. Mary�s Cemetery in Panama.
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