Obituary of Robert Rook

    Robert Rook, and his twin sister, Rosella, were born July 17, 1932 in rural Sanborn, Iowa  to  Herman and Nancy (Fransen) Rook. Robert spent his youth on a farm near Melvin, Iowa where he received his early education. His Senior year he attended Sheldon High School at Sheldon, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1949.
    On June 24, 1953, Robert was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Scholten at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, Iowa. The couple began their new life together on the Rook family farm near Sanborn where they raised their five children: Kimbal, Kevin, Janet, Sharon, and Robert.
    Anyone involved with agriculture knows there usually isn't a lot of "free time" to be had. The different seasons dictate what has to be done, and what you will be doing in the weeks ahead. So when Robert and Phyllis retired from farming in 2006, and moved into the town of Sheldon, Robert finally found some time to spend on something other than field work and chores. He tried his hand at golf and actually began to enjoy it. When the weather wasn't cooperating, he was always ready for a good game of cards or shooting pool.
   The past 18 years or so, Robert and Phyllis would leave the cold winters in Iowa for warmer temperatures in Texas. They became involved with volunteer work in Texas and Mexico, building houses for the less fortunate and mentoring students in the local school. While they created many new friendships in Texas, and escaping the snow and ice was a good thing, they were always glad to be home again to see familiar faces in family and old friends.
    Following their marriage, Bob and Phyllis were members of the First Reformed Church in Sanborn. After relocating to Sheldon, they joined the Bethel Reformed Church there and have been members ever since. Bob has served as Deacon, Elder, Church Vice-President, as well as RCYF Sponsor.
    On Sunday, May 21, 2017, Robert passed from this life at the age of 84. Preceding him in death were his parents, Herman and Nancy Rook; two brothers: Henry and Wilbur; two sisters: Nancy and Rosella; one son, Kimbal; one great-grandson, Matthew.
    Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Phyllis of Sheldon, Iowa; children: Kevin Rook of Sanborn, Iowa, Janet (Scott) Starkenburg of Fulton, IL, Sharon Vreeman of Sheldon, Iowa, Robert J. (Holli) Rook of Oostburg, Wisconsin; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Robert Rook

Born ~ July 17, 1932 

Died ~ May 21, 2017

Age ~ 84 years    10 months    4 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 ~ 10:00 a.m.
First Reformed Church
Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Pastor Dave Van Kley
Organist ~ Carol Wiekamp                                                                                                                                                                            Pianist ~ Jody Van Kley

Musical Tribute
Jordan Starkenburg ~ Rachel Starkenburg ~ Taylor Rook
"Suppertime"

Songs of Praise
Processional ~ "Amazing Grace"  #343
Recessional ~ "How Great Thou Art"  #143

Pallbearers
Lance Rook    Jason Vreeman
Trevor Starkenburg    Logan Starkenburg
Schuyler Vreeman    Devon Rook
Jordan Starkenburg    Micah Rook

Ushers
John Solsma ~ Merlyn Vander Lee ~ Rod Jacobsma

Interment
Roseland Cemetery
Sanborn, Iowa

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