Obituary of Robert George Damman

    Robert George “Bob” Damman was born February 13, 1932, on a farm north of Sanborn, Iowa, the first child of George and Jean Damman. His childhood years were spent much like other rural kids – a mix of work, play and school. Being the oldest son, he began helping his Dad around the farm at an early age, taking on chores and responsibilities as he was able.

    Bob received his education at Sanborn Community School where he was part of the Bulldog baseball team. After graduating from Sanborn High School in 1950, he worked with his Dad and brother, Glenn, on the family farm.

    Tending row crops and livestock was put on hold for a time while Bob served his country with the United States Army. He spent over one year in Korea during his tour of duty which began February of 1953, and ended with his honorable discharge in November of 1954. Having returned home, Bob resumed his agricultural pursuit, thankful to be able to once again, call himself an Iowa farmer.

    On December 29, 1963, Bob was united in marriage to Marilyn M. Knock at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin, Iowa. They made their home in Melvin, so Bob commuted daily to manage his ag operation near Sanborn. In later years, fields of corn and soybeans came to include huge, lush vegetable gardens as well. Bob’s life-long passion for agriculture naturally led to a curiosity and understanding of the geological makeup of the region he farmed, the prairies and sloughs that used to be here, as well as the people who were stewards of this land before him. He found the work he did with Dr. Don Peters on the early stages of the Western corn root worm particularly gratifying, as well as the hours spent with his friend, Dr. Elwynn Taylor, tutoring him via phone calls about weather predictions; both men were experts in their field at Iowa State University in Ames. The area around the lakes, and its history, were also of interest to Bob as he and Marilyn enjoyed relaxing near the blue waters of Lake Okoboji whenever they could, spending treasured times there with family and friends, or just hanging out around home.

    Bob was a member of the Shriners and belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Sanborn. He was also a proud member of Reed Guthrie Post #470 of the American Legion in Melvin.

    On Friday, April 19, 2024, Bob passed from this life to be reunited with loved ones who had gone before: his wife, Marilyn (2022); his parents, George and Jean Damman; sister, Eileen Floyd; sister-in-law, Bonnie Damman; brother-in-law, Bruce Knock; brothers and sisters-in-law: Virgil and Virginia Knock, and Marlo and Wilma Knock; and two nephews.

    He is survived by his brother, Glenn Damman of Sanborn, Iowa; sister-in-law, Shirley Knock of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many dear friends who made his life complete.

Memorials given in Bob's name may be directed to the 
American Lutheran Church in Melvin, Iowa or the Melvin Fire Department