Robert D. Garner

Robert D. Garner, 76, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, October 3, 2019, at his home.

Robert Dean Garner was born on March 16, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Kenneth Irvin and Vesta Marie (Oliver) Turnbull and was later adopted by Francis and Vinice (Tiedeman) Garner. He grew up in the Presbyterian faith and was later baptized in the Baptist Church. Robert attended school in Bridgewater and graduated from Bridgewater High School. On September 30, 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and spent time on the ground in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, and was honorably discharged on June 5, 1969.

On January 17, 1965, he was united in marriage to Darlene May Nauman in Bridgewater, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Larry and Laurie. In the early 1970’s they made Atlantic home. He was employed as a truck driver, worked at Pelgas, and the couple drove taxi cabs in Atlantic for several years. Robert worked for Henningsen Construction for over 30 years; retiring in 2010. In their spare time Robert and Darlene raised and sold produce from their greenhouse.

Robert loved to garden and was an avid car collector. He was a second dad to many and would open his door to anyone in need. He was a member of a CB Radio Club and also helped with storm spotting in Cass County. Robert enjoyed helping his daughter Laurie when she was in girl scouts; always participating in the MS Telethon. He loved spending time with his family and looked forward to playing baseball with the grandkids. He enjoyed summers outdoors camping, boating, fishing and hunting with family and friends. Robert taught his son, Larry to bow hunt and the two of them spent many hours shooting clay pigeons in Lewis.

Robert is survived by his son, Larry Garner of Atlantic; daughter, Laurie Pieken of Atlantic; grandchildren, Michael (Kelsey) Pieken of Fontanelle, Iowa, Brett Pieken of Fontanelle, and Patrick Nupp of Atlantic; great-grandchildren, Shyan Castillo, Ava Castillo, Silas Pieken, and Jaxxon Pieken; sisters, Mary Turnbull Miller of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Rose Swift Vandyke of Bellevue, Nebraska; brothers, Dennis Hagerman of North Carolina, and David Turnbull Medema; nephew, Steve (Nancy) Swain of Atlantic; close family friends, Dan and Brenda Laws of Exira, Iowa, Donna Nicholes of Missouri, Mindy and Rob Compton and their daughter, MaKenna Compton all of Bellevue, Krystle Polson of Minnesota, and Colton Polson of Bellevue; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his biological parents and adoptive parents; and his other brothers and sisters.

The family will greet friends on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Celebration of Life Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial, with military honors, by the Creston VFW Post #1797, will be held in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton, Iowa at 4:00 p.m.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Robert’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.


IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Robert D. Garner

March 16, 1943 - October 3, 2019

At the age of 76 years, 6 months & 18 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL SERVICE
10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2019
Roland Funeral Service - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Mike Eells

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Remember When” recorded by Alan Jackson

“The Rose”
“Pictures”
by Arnold Morris

“Daddy’s Hand’s” recorded by Holly Dunn

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Michael Pieken
Brett Pieken
Patrick Nupp
Arnold Morris
Albert Morris
Allen Morris
Dan Laws
Brianna Whitaker-Watkins
Bob Imhoff
Jeremy Whitaker
Jerry Whitaker
Colton Polson
Krystle Polson
Michael Fleming
Dean Johnson
Steve Swain
Shelby Nupp-Holder

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Brenda Laws
Mindy Compton
Brenda Gettler
April Paulsrud

INTERMENT
Greenlawn Cemetery - Afton, Iowa

SPECIAL MUSIC AT THE GRAVESIDE
“Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina

MILITARY HONORS
V.F.W. Post #1797 - Creston, Iowa

LUNCHEON
Robert’s family invites everyone to join them for lunch at the Atlantic Gospel Chapel immediately following the memorial service.