Robert H. Hale

Robert H. Hale, 87, went home to be with his Savior on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Calvin Community in Des Moines following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Bob was born to Merle and Louise (Harrison) Hale in Lincoln, NE on March 16, 1933. After graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Engineering, he moved to Newton and began working at Maytag Corporation. During his employment there, he met his future wife, Shirley Zickel of Monroe. They married on July 19, 1957.

Bob later attended the University of Colorado, where he completed physical therapy training, his lifelong profession thereafter. While living in Denver, he and Shirley welcomed two daughters, Kimberly and Teresa. Bob spent his work years providing exceptional physical therapy service to patients at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and later the Veterans Administration Hospital, where he retired in 1997.

Throughout his life Bob was active in his church, whether teaching Sunday School, leading the music and worship, or calling on the sick and needy. His life was a testament to his love of the Lord.

Bob is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Kimberly (Michael) Brangoccio and Teresa Gilbert, seven grandchildren Sarah and David, step grandchildren Nick, Sarah, Josh, Jaurey and Roman, his younger brother Jack (Janice) Hale, brother-in-law Larry Zickel, and Kenny Gilbert. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020 at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th St. in Des Moines with lunch following the service. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. The committal service will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines following lunch at 1:30 p.m. for any friends or family who wish to attend.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers at Calvin Community over the last four years. We appreciate your efforts to keep Bob as engaged and comfortable as possible. Your kindness and dedication are appreciated.