Bob Lindell, formerly of New London, went to his eternal home on February 9, 2022. He passed peacefully at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield where both he and his wife Naomi received exceptional care.
Bob was born in Winfield on November 14, 1929, to his proud parents, Lloyd and Nelle Lindell. Bob has one sister Beverly and brother-in-law Jack, who reside in Roswell, New Mexico. He leaves behind one son Tom and wife Holly, who reside in Brookfield, WI and one daughter Karen and husband Jon Hixon in Storm Lake, Iowa. He enjoyed five grandchildren; Elizabeth Hixon of Denver, Colorado, Alison Hixon of Sante Fe, New Mexico, Sara Hixon of Eugene, Oregon, Adam and Erin Lindell of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Evan and Kayla Lindell of Pewaukee, Wisconsin; and five great-grandchildren.
Bob graduated from Winfield High School in 1948 and joined the Navy in 1949. He served in Alaska keeping an eye on the Ruskies. While on leave he became engaged to the love of his life, Naomi Maxwell (May 19,1931 to January 16, 2021) on October 16, 1951. Bob was discharged from the Navy on March 27, 1952, and married Naomi on June 1, 1952. After a one-week honeymoon in Niagara Falls Bob joined his father’s insurance agency.
Bob continued to work but decided to attend Iowa Wesleyan College. Their first child Tom was born on Bob’s first day of college, September 10, 1953. Bob graduated in June 1956. Their second child, Karen, was born on May 31, 1957.
Bob loved Winfield and was one of its strongest supporters. He was one of a few individuals who worked to develop Twin Lakes Recreational Center in the late ‘60’s and served as its first President. He also served as Scoutmaster for Troop 21 in Winfield for over 15 years. Each year the troop would enjoy a week at Camp Eastman near Nauvoo, IL. There were 51 boys who attended one-year, dwarfing the participants from other large towns. Bob also led four expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch in NE New Mexico; two trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe area; took two groups to the National Jamborees in Valley Forge and Colorado Springs in addition to regular local campouts. He earned Scouting’s highest civilian award, the Silver Beaver. Bob always said he got more out of Scouting than he gave, but there are a lot of Winfield boys and now men who are most appreciative of his investment of time and leadership.
Bob sold his insurance agency in Winfield in 1977 although he continued in the insurance business in Ames and then in West Point at the Fullenkamp Agency. While at Fullenkamp, Bob & Naomi moved to New London where they lived for 35 years. Mom and Dad loved the folks in Winfield, and they loved the New London neighbors and friends. Bob and Naomi were members of the New London Methodist Church and Deerwood golf club where he truly enjoyed life.
Despite Bob’s success as a businessman and community leader, many will remember him for his sense of humor and love of pranking family, friends and even complete strangers. There will be many recollections of spook-rides, ghost stories around the campfire, pranks on the golf course and beyond upon learning of his passing. These experiences have indeed weaved color into his rich fabric of life.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 12 at Elliott Chapel, New London. Pastor David Mixon will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Masks are welcome. There will be a private interment for family in the Winfield Scott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial to Sunrise Terrace, the New London United Methodist Church and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com