Robert "Bob" Newell

Robert "Bob" Newell, 96, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on July 16, 2026. A visitation will take place from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Weerts Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 12 PM on Thursday, July 23 at IOOF Cemetery in Indianola, IA. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.WeertsFH.com

Bob was born April 10, 1930, in Wick, IA, to Kathryn (Campbell) and John Newell. After graduating from high school, Robert pursued higher education at the University of Northern Iowa, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree.

Over the years, Bob held a variety of roles including being a clerk for the highway patrol, owning Corner Sundry in Laport, IA, playing baseball at St. Mary, and working as a Driver's Ed Teacher.

On May 30, 1953, Bob married Kathleen Bechter in Indianola, IA. Their years together were marked by shared routines and quiet joys, including many hours spent watching baseball side by side and faithfully rooting for the Cubs. After Kathleen’s passing in 2009, he began rooting for the White Sox.

When their children were younger, the family enjoyed long walks out in the country, along with hiking, camping, and fishing. In later years, Bob especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Bob was a bit of a prankster with his family, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his wife—an enduring center of his story.

Baseball remained a long-held passion throughout Robert’s life; both his son and daughter learned the game from him, whether they wanted to or not. Beyond the baseball field, he took pride in work done with his hands—yardwork, tending to the roses, and working on car engines. He was also a skilled woodworker who built the cabinets for their house, and, together with his brothers, helped build the home itself. He also enjoyed photography, finding satisfaction in noticing and preserving the moments that might otherwise pass too quickly.

Survivors include his children; Sharon Holle and Brad Newell; grandchildren, Alyssa (Andy) Skahill, Joe (Nicole) Holle, Aron Holle, Jacob West, Stuart West, Brianna (Chuck) Solis-Switzer, and Alex Newell; great-grandchildren, Tate Skahill, Teagan Skahill, Presley Holle, Porter Holle, and Nora Holle; siblings, Richard (Marilyn) Newell, Betty Allen, Phil Newell; a sister-in-law, Sandy Newell; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a beloved son, Gregg Newell, and his brother, Ken Newell.