Rev. Robert Lynn Edwards passed away on March 22, 2026 in Ames, IA after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bob was born on November 14, 1949, in Emmetsburg, IA to Leslie and Marian Edwards.
Bob attended school in Emmetsburg until his family moved to Forest City, IA. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1968. While still in high school, he started attending church on his own and after a particularly moving Lenten service, decided he wanted to become a pastor. Bob attended Waldorf College for two years, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Kristine. They were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Cedar Rapids on October 24, 1970.
Bob went on to Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and graduated in May 1972 with a B.A. in religion. He then attended Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA and during that time, served a one-year internship in Yorktown, TX. He graduated from seminary in 1976 and was ordained at his home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Forest City, in June 1976. Throughout his career he served parishes in Dalton, MN, Farmersburg, IA, Sioux City, IA, Chatfield, MN, Ankeny, IA and Dows, IA. After retiring, he also served as a visitation or supply pastor for several churches in central Iowa.
In 2016, Bob and Kris retired to Story City, IA. They were members of Gilbert Lutheran Church.
Bob was beloved and respected in his family, among his friends, and as a leader and member of the many congregations he was called to serve. An “old soul,” he was kind-hearted, gentle, introspective and humble, confident that the true meaning of life was not the accumulation of material wealth but living with compassion and kindness toward others. He also had a quick wit and enjoyed a good joke. Bob found it easy to be satisfied with the simple pleasures in life. Seeing the flowers and trees bloom (oh, how he loved roses), taking a slow drive in the country, or listening to a beautiful piece of classical music. Nothing made him happier than a good cup of coffee and a sweet treat, especially oatmeal breakfasts at The Cafe in Ames.
When he indulged, he delighted in a new plaid shirt or sport coat. He loved meeting people from all walks of life, from all faiths and backgrounds, and appreciated everyone’s contributions to this world. Pastor Bob had a gift for delivering a really good sermon, which was always brief (to his children’s delight) but thought-provoking, akin to a Biblical history or theology lesson. He carried a true love of learning and he and Kris enjoyed visiting historical sites on their travels (he always had all the facts!). One of the biggest honors of his life was attending former President Jimmy Carter’s Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, GA. He was asked to give the Prayer of the Church with the former president in attendance.
Above all, he loved his family fiercely and unconditionally and was happiest when in their company. A new grandchild or great-grandchild brought him so much joy. He was our north star, our compass, and will remain a guiding force in our lives. Through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, his faith never wavered. With the knowledge that his mortal existence was drawing to a close, he shared with his family, “I’ve been through a lot of tough times in my life, and God was always with me. I know he will be with me now.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kristine of Story City; daughter Emily (Andrew) Zalasky of Ames; son Zachary Edwards of Ashland, OR; and son-in-law Patrick (Lori) Polkowske of Pine Island, MN; grandchildren Allison (Brock) Johnson, Brady Zalasky, Kellar Edwards, Tate Zalasky, Oliver Polkowske, and Myles Polkowske, and three great-grandchildren, Everett Johnson, Elijah Johnson, and Ezra Johnson; siblings David (Carol) Edwards of Thornton, CO, Rebecca (Tim) Heidenwirth of Greene, IA, and Tammy (Jerry) DenHartog of Cedar Falls, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Marian, father-in-law Peter and mother-in-law Elaine Pash, sister, Gloria Craft, and daughter, Elise Erin Polkowske.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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