Robert Lee Goldman

Robert (Bob) Lee Goldman of Arden Hills, MN formerly of Ankeny, IA passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the age of 95. He was born on October 24, 1927, in Delta, Iowa where he grew up enjoying his mother’s great homemade cooking, fishing, keeping his older brothers out of trouble (i.e. tipping outhouses) and having fun with his siblings. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren the adventures and good times of Delta, Iowa.

He graduated from Delta High School in 1945. After not qualifying to join the Army for WWII because of being an inch short and 4 pounds too light, he had a growth spurt and joined the Army for the Korean War and served for two years where he was awarded 3 Bronze Stars. Bob was very proud of his service but more importantly he treasured the lifelong friends he made during his service. He was part of a group that started up an Army Reunion for TSRB 765.

After the Korean War, he moved to Des Moines to find more employment options. He worked at Port Huron in the parts department and was very proud that he had every part number memorized without the need to look in a catalog.

On Christmas Eve of 1953, his cousin Bonnie introduced him to Phyllis Bonnater. She was immediately taken with his dark curly hair, his handsome smile and pleasing personality. Their romance blossomed and they were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on June 7th, 1953.

To provide for a growing family, he worked and eventually retired from Anderson Erickson Dairy. He was proud of the hard work of being a door-to-door delivery milkman and eventually a truck driver delivering AE Dairy products to stores throughout Iowa. His ability to connect with every person he met was a skill that he carried with him throughout his life.

Bob was actively involved as a deacon at Saylorville Baptist Church and then eventually at First Federated. He enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden and kept an immaculate yard. He loved to fish with his friends but most importantly he was always there for his family and friends. He and Phyllis loved hosting gatherings where he would grill and have his homemade ice cream ready to serve.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Edward and Faymie Mae (Wilson) Goldman; siblings and their spouses: Clifford (Maxine) Goldman, Duane (Virginia) Goldman, Phyllis (Donald) Spears, Gail (Bob) Joye and Joe Goldman.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Phyllis (Bonnater) Goldman; four children – LuAnn Bordon, Lori Brown, Linda (Frank) Overton, R. Michael (Brenda) Goldman. Nine grandchildren – Courtney, Doran, Michael, Amanda, Robert, Micah, William, Benjamin and Eva. He is survived by a sister-in-law Sharon Goldman along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was at his happiest when his children and grandchildren came to visit. It was a time for him to show them how to make his homemade ice cream and then have pancakes ready for breakfast. His grandchildren can still hear him say, “Ice cream is ready come and scoop it up before it melts!”. They have fond memories of grandpa giving them rides on his John Deere lawn mower and picking fresh vegetables in the garden with him.

Being in the Korean War gave Bob a taste for travelling. He enjoyed his two weeks of vacation by taking his family to visit his Army buddies and family all over the country. He also had the opportunity to take many cruises, tour Europe and was even able to participate in an Army reunion held in Korea.

Per Bob’s wishes, he does not want to have his graveside service and interment until the passing of his loving wife, Phyllis. At the time of her passing, they will both be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Iowa Fish and Wildlife Fund at the following website https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/Donation/Add/1 This would honor his love of fishing and his fond memories of hunting in rural Iowa.