Obituary for Robert “Bob” Edward Hay

Robert “Bob” Edward Hay (85) of Marion, Iowa was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend.  He left this world, suddenly and peacefully, to join his Lord and Savior, on September 17, 2021.

He was born to George C. Hay and Mildred M. (Sidlinger) Hay on January 3, 1936, having the honor of being the first baby born that year, in Marion, Iowa.

Bob graduated from Marion High School in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce E. Novak, on April 1, 1955. He was the proud father of four children.  

Throughout his life, Bob worked in several different capacities, including truck driver, well driller, RV transporter, and private investigator.

He was an active member of Christ Community Church in Marion, Iowa; and the Cedar Rapids Walk to Emmaus Community.  Through his involvement with the Cedar Rapids Walk to Emmaus Community, Bob served on many teams, and helped many to know Jesus Christ.  He also was involved with the Brothers in Blue prison ministry and volunteered working with youth at a Cedar Rapids youth center.

In life, Bob was a faithful blood donor; and in death, his giving continues with the donation of his organs.
Bob enjoyed nature and the outdoors.  This was demonstrated by his love for fishing, gardening, camping, and tooling around the acre on his John Deere lawn mower.  He could often be found spending his time working (playing) in his garage, making fishing lures, and winding custom fishing rods.  

He saw every child as a gift from God, and they always brought a smile to his face.  He enjoyed assisting with the Kids Club at church as well as sharing and teaching his hobbies to anybody that showed interest.  He never turned a blind eye to those in need and enjoyed sharing his bounty of garden produce with others.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce; his sister, Leota Kassler of Storm Lake, IA; his children: Thomas (Suzanne) Hay of Hutchinson, MN; Michael (Deane) Hay of Strawberry Point, IA; Steven (Ken) Hay of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Laura (Patrick) McLain of Eldridge, IA.  He also treasured, and was treasured by, his eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Hay; his father and mother-in-law, Rudolph and Ludmila Novak; brother, U.S. Navy Captain Donald G. Hay; brother-in-law, John (Pete) Kassler; brother-in-law, Phillip Yeisley; sister-in-law, Carol Yeisley; and brother-in-law, Eugene Novak.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Christ Community Church in Marion, Iowa; or to your favorite children’s charity.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2022.