Obituary for Robert Merle Faulkender

Robert Merle Faulkender, son of Jesse Merle and Frances Faulkender (Yost) was born on June 27th,1943 in Spencer, Iowa. Robert was the middle of five children. Robert attended country school, Summit #6 until seventh grade when he later attended Spencer Community Schools and graduated in 1961. After graduation Robert joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed for 2 years in Germany as a mechanic after his basic training in the states. He gained the rank of Specialist Fifth Class.

In June of 1964 he received an honorable discharge after three active years in the service. He returned to Spencer where he worked as a contractor with Roskens Construction. On February 14th, 1965, he married Sharon Kae Wilson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. After their marriage they lived in Spencer where Robert later worked for Wells Blue Bunny for the next several years delivering dairy products. After making the decision not to move his family to LeMars, Iowa, in 1976 Robert started his own construction company, S&R Construction, and later worked for Klass Groen construction. Robert also owned and operated the Snack Shack located in the Gateway North Mall as well as Bob’s Diner in downtown Spencer. In 1991 he went to work for JcPenney as maintenance and custodial until his retirement. He continued to help do custodial work at Hope Reformed Church until his wife Sharon retired.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, crafting and gardening. Robert and his wife enjoyed traveling to see their kids and grandkids. They always loved planting their garden together, bird watching, woodworking and crafts. In 1983 Robert made the decision to better his life and family's life and became sober. He left this earth 41 years sober, an accomplishment he was very proud of. Robert was a member of the American Legion for thirty years serving as Commander for two years.

Robert passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2024, at the Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center in Spencer at the age of 81. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Wilson) Faulkender of 58 years in 2023, parents, Jesse Merle and Frances Faulkender, his brothers, Marvin and Roger and his sisters Delores (Sebastian) and Ruthanne (King) and his infant son Kevin.

He is survived by his children; Kathy Skyles and husband Darin of Indianapolis, Indiana; Kristal Jensen and husband Mark of Spencer; three grandchildren; Adam and Logan Skyles and Samuel Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.

The burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Langdon, Iowa. A private graveside service is being planned for a future date.