Robert Lawrence Eppens

Monday, April 1, 2019 4:48 pm

Robert Lawrence Eppens, 86, of Decorah, passed away March 28, 2019, at Wellington Place in Decorah due to complications from a broken hip. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at First United Methodist Church, 302 West Broadway Street, Decorah, with Rev. Hyeunmee Kang officiating. Burial is in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah, with military honors provided by Decorah’s veterans and military organizations, and U.S. Air Force personnel. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, with Masonic rights given at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation continue Wednesday after 10 a.m., one hour before services, at First United Methodist Church. Organist is Martha Ludeking. Soloist is Ken Vande Berg. Casket bearers are Floyd Ashbacher, Tom Courtney, Wayne Remmen, Jon Rodman, Mike Spurgeon and Bob Ward.

Bob was born March 2, 1933, to Robert Paul Eppens and Florence (Lawrence) Eppens in Calmar. He graduated from Calmar High School in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training, and served as an air policeman at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, N.Y., then Newfoundland, Canada,and Colville, Wash. during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

Bob married Rosalyn McIntire, daughter of Lenn McIntire and Margaret (Vine) McIntire, Jan. 18, 1953, at the Congregational Church in Decorah. They were blessed with five children and celebrated 66 years of marriage together.

Following his discharge from the Air Force in 1956, Bob went into business with his brother-in-law, Charles Ohlert, starting Chuck and Bob’s Milling Service in Calmar. He was later acting postmaster in Calmar for a year and a half. He then became a police officer in Decorah for 30 years. He retired from the police force in March 1995.

Bob was a legion commander for the American Legion in Calmar, and was a member of the VFW, Lions Club and Commercial Club, as well as a member of the Great Lights Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He was a very active member in the Methodist Church in Calmar and the Congregational Church in Decorah. In 1994, Bob and Rosie joined the Methodist Church in Decorah.

Following his retirement, he enjoyed working with his lathe, making wooden bowls and lamps, photography, gardening and going for drives.

Bob is survived by his wife Rosalyn, of Decorah; his five children: Larry Eppens of Minneapolis, Minn., Bob (Tammy) Eppens of Ogden, Utah, Linda (Jeff) Rodman of Sioux Falls, S.D., Kevin Eppens of Ankeny and Lori Ernest of Chicago, Ill.; grandchildren: Ashleigh (Billy) Haas, David (Suzy) Eppens, Ben Rodman, Jon Rodman, Emily Eppens, Elissa (fiancé Evan Koehler) Eppens and Nicole Eppens; great-grandchildren: William Haas, Jane Haas, Eliza Eppens and Lily Eppens; brother, Richard Eppens of Calmar; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence Eppens, and his sisters, Edna Mae (Charles) Ohlert and Faye (Donald) Brandt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101 or a charity of your choice.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.