Robert “Bob” Beener, 97, of Cedar Falls, IA, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2026, at Western Homes Creekside Living in Grundy Center.
Bob was born June 14, 1928, in Waterloo, IA, the third son of Charles and Lydia (Speicher) Beener. His family included-two older brothers, Irvin and LaVerne, two younger sisters, Mary, and Janice “Jenny,” and one younger brother, Richard “Dick” Beener.
Growing up in the Great Depression years, Bob’s work history began at an early age with a paper route. In High School, he began working second shift at the Rath Packing Company and continued to work there while taking college classes. In 1951, during the Korean conflict, Bob was drafted and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. Though trained as a radio repairman, once they learned of his Rath Packing meat boning skills, in Bob’s words, “he moved from KP duty to the company cook in one day.”
In 1961, Bob married Shelda Hertzke, and together they welcomed their daughter, Tamara, in December 1964 and their son, Joel, in September 1966. Bob loved to travel, especially when it involved camping or visiting National Parks throughout the western states. He was fascinated with the Mississippi River, and for many years he maintained a mobile home north of Guttenberg, Iowa, where the family spent many weekends and summer vacations.
Bob continued working at Rath’s while attending college, earning a BA in psychology from Wartburg College and an MA in counseling from the University of Northern Iowa in 1967. He then became one of the first counselors hired when Hawkeye Institute of Technology opened. Over the course of his career there, he served as Counselor, Department Head, and Placement Director.
His commitment to service extended well beyond campus. Bob was recognized by the American Red Cross for his many years as a Blood Donor Day Coordinator. He also served for thirteen years as Board President of the Northeast Council on Substance Abuse and taught DWI classes through the Adult Education Department. After a long and meaningful career dedicated to helping others, Bob retired from Hawkeye in 1995.
Upon retirement, Bob treasured the time he spent at Joel’s Cabin at the Mississippi River with his grandchildren, Megan and Brady. He traveled with his brother, Dick, and sister‑in‑law, Vivian to Italy-and he enjoyed spending some winters with them in Florida as well.
Bob’s lifelong culinary interests continued to bring him joy. Over the years he explored everything from winemaking to processing dill pickles. During the Christmas season, his neighbors looked forward to receiving Bob’s famous Christmas treats and candies. His children and grandchildren especially remember his waffles and chow mein.
In 2017, Bob moved to Windgrace Independent Living, and in 2024 he transitioned to Windhaven Assisted Living-both part of Western Home Communities. Staying physically fit and mentally alert were always important to him, and even after moving to assisted living he continued his daily exercise routine. He kept up with the world around him, subscribing to newspapers and following both local and national news. An avid Hawkeye fan, Bob especially loved cheering on the football and basketball teams.
Bob was happy at the Western Homes-making new friends, enjoying healthy meals, and deeply appreciated the capable and compassionate assistance and support of the staff. He was especially grateful for the spiritual care provided by the chaplains, whose presence and guidance meant a great deal to him.
Bob is survived by his children, Tamara, and Joel; grandchildren, Megan (Devin) and Brady; brother, Dick; best friend, Shelda; and numerous nieces and nephews.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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