In Memory of Robert C. "Bob" Dethlefsen

Robert C. “Bob” Dethlefsen, age 90, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at the United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Luann Benge will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the Ida Grove American Legion. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Masonic Service conducted by Alpine Lodge No. 471 A.F. & A. M.  at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, masks and social distancing are encouraged.  The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

      Robert Charles “Bob” Dethlefsen, the son of Charles W. and Augusta E. (Koster) Dethlefsen, was born on October 10, 1930, in Battle Creek, Iowa. Bob was raised in Battle Creek and attended school in Battle Creek and Ida Grove, Iowa.

      He enlisted into the United States Army during WWII and served his country in the Army as an infantry man abroad in Germany. Bob was honorably discharged in 1945 and relocated to work as a carpenter apprentice in Galveston, Texas. While there, Bob met and married the love of his life Carol Jean Rathke on June 5, 1954. Together they were blessed with three children: Elizabeth, Carol and David.

      For many years Bob worked for Texas Gulf Sulphur as a carpenter in addition to running his own business Bob’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. After retiring from Texas Gulf Sulphur in Beaumont, Texas, Bob begun working for Lamar University as a carpenter giving him a second retirement.

      Bob would never turn anyone away that was in need of help. He was also proud member of the South Park Lodge #1320 Masonic Lodge in Beaumont Texas. In 1996, after fully retiring, Bob and Carol relocated to Ida Grove, Iowa, to be closer to family. He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Ida Grove and the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion. He enjoyed being a master carpenter and working with his hands accomplishing many projects. Bob also loved to tend to his gardens both flower and vegetable.

      This devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Carol Dethlefsen of Ida Grove, IA; children: Elizabeth Dethlefsen of Baytown, TX, Carol (Alan) Alford of Baytown, TX, and David (Regina) Dethlefsen of Conroe, TX; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

      Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Augusta Dethlefsen; sisters: Jenny Dethlefsen, Louis Warren, Alice Richardson, and Bernice Van Laningham.