Robert L. Latta
Robert L. “Bob” Latta, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant, while under hospice care, after he unexpectedly suffered a heart attack.
Bob was born on August 14, 1947, in Osceola, Iowa, where his father served as a minister at the Osceola Methodist Church. He was the son of the Rev. Lloyd Alexander and Beulah Ardella (Dickey) Latta. In 1950, the family relocated to Red Oak, Iowa. Bob was active in Scouts and sports throughout his early years. In 1958, they moved again, this time to Washington, Iowa, where Bob continued to pursue sports and school activities. In 1964, he moved to Grinnell, where he completed his high school education. That year, Bob played as an end on the football team and participated in track, even running in the prestigious Drake Relays with his high school team.
Bob had a deep love for animals, and no stray cat or bird went unfed if it crossed his path. One notable example was Sheeba, a cat who had been physically and emotionally hurt. Bob patiently worked to earn her trust, took her to the vet for care, and welcomed her into his home. Sheena lived with Bob for 23 years, though her age at the time he took her in remains unknown.
With a gentle and loving spirit, Bob remained kind-hearted throughout his life.
Bob enjoyed spending time working in his shop, creating birdhouses, bird feeders, and many other crafts. He also found joy in yard work and caring for his Birds his garden and home. Bob had a deep passion for birds. On his country home, he had built more than 100 birdhouses, each carefully designed to provide shelter and comfort for his small, winged visitors. He knew every species that nested on his land and spent hours observing them, learning their songs and habits.
His dog, named Cookie, was his faithful companion. Every spring, after winter subsided and the fields returned to life, Bob and Cookie would walk together through the fields in the two meadows surrounding the house. While Bob tended the plants, Cookie hovered nearby, watching for intruders to disturb the peace of the land. Bob’s life revolved around nature, finding joy and purpose in tending his land and in the company of his feathered friends and his loyal dog.
Those thankful for sharing in Bob’s life include 2 siblings – Rick Latta and his wife Nelly of Miami, Fl and Rosalyn Laliwala of Albany,NY; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and sister, Marilynn Knight, precede Bob in death.
A memorial funeral service for Bob will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Pastor Jeffery A. McPheron of the Trenton/Wesley Chapel United Methodist Churches will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Oakland Mills Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. The family will also greet friends at a reception following the memorial service.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Bob and his family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com