Robert Dale Maske

Robert Dale Maske was born May 11, 1923 to John and Addie Coyer Maske at Ocheyedan, Iowa. Robert (Bob) spent his childhood in and around Ocheyedan, and he attended Ocheyedan High School. He completed his high school diploma at West Seattle High School in Seattle, Washington. After graduation from high school, Bob entered the Merchant Marines. Following the outbreak of World War II, Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. From 1943 to 1946, Robert served as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corp involved in the island hopping campaign in the Pacific Theatre. Bob was involved in the invasion of Iwo Jima, one of the most historic and important battles of the war. At the conclusion of World War II, Bob and Dorothy were married on August 29, 1948 in Worthington, Minnesota. Following their marriage, Bob and Dorothy returned to Seattle where he was enrolled in Seattle University and earned a B.A. Degree in Education. Upon earning his college diploma, Bob took a job with the Ashton Community School System in 1953. After one year at Ashton, Bob, Dorothy and their family moved to Peterson, Iowa where he became a high school teacher as well as head football, basketball, and baseball coach. From 1954 until 1986, Bob served the children and parents of the Peterson and later Sioux Valley Community School System as a dedicated teacher and coach. During their years in Peterson, Bob and Dorothy have been members in the Congregational Church. Bob was a dedicated member of the community. Throughout the years, Bob spent his summers serving the community of Peterson as a little league coach. Bob, with the assistance of the many friends founded the Northwest Iowa Little League Tournament. He also served the community as the manager of the local swimming pool. Bob was a devoted sportsman and outdoorsman. Bob was not only a great teacher, but a real competitor. He truly excelled in everything he did from hunting, fishing, and trapping, to bowling and golf. Bob loved to camp and spend time with his family. Bob Maske passed away at the Spencer Hospital on July 3, 2007 at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and a son David of Okoboji, Iowa. Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy; three sons Bill and Carole of Truro, Iowa; Dan of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Jody and Deb of Newell, Iowa; a daughter-in-law Linda of Okoboji, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. OUR FATHER Our father, Robert (Bob) Dale Maske was born in 1923, only a few short years prior to the beginning of the Great Depression. Dad belonged to a very special generation, a generation tempered by the Depression, and molded by the impact of World War II. While small in stature, our dad was a giant of a man. He was part of the generation that whipped Hitler and Tojo, and then returned home to mold post-war America. The lessons learned during the Great Depression and World War II contributed to our dad being an awesome father. From our earliest recollections, dad spent time helping us learn important lessons in life. Here are a few: Dad taught us an appreciation of nature, wildlife, and the outdoors by involving us in hunting, fishing, and trapping. These were things that he had done as a young man with his cousins and friends. He believed that nature was to be respected, and that wildlife was to be valued. Dad taught us that there are rules and etiquette that goes with everything. Because of these lessons, we appreciate and enjoy the outdoors in many different ways. Dad taught us to love competition. Dad was a real competitor. He believed that if anything was worth doing, it was worth doing to the best of your ability. Through this competitive spirit involving hard work and fair play, dad helped us get involved in games of all kinds as a way of testing our skill, and developing our character. Because of our father, we love to play. Dad taught us to value family. During the Great Depression, families had to stick together for the common good. Dad never forgot this lesson. I recall at an early age traveling to Ocheyedan, Iowa or Wilmont, Minnesota with dad and mom to visit relatives. This experience of caring for extended family only served to strengthen our commitment to family. Because of dad, we are a close family that spends lots of time together. Dad taught us the importance of unconditional love. Dad did not always approve or like the things that we did, and, he could be a strict disciplinarian. But, he always reaffirmed his love for us which in turn provided the encouragement to develop as unique individuals. Because of our father, unconditional love is an important part of our family structure. Our father was a patriot and a hero, and yet, he was one of those quiet veterans of World War II. In his very quiet and straight forward manner, he helped us develop a love of country, and a valuing of liberty. We are a very politically charged and diverse family. Because of our dad, we know the importance of actively engaging freedom. Our father was a giant. He taught us to work hard and to play hard. He taught us to recognize humor as great medicine. He taught us to be good people. We are very fortune to have had Bob Maske as a father. We can not justly express the love that we hold for him now and always. Thank you for everything Dad. We will miss you!

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