Sylvester 'Robert' Fahnlander

Sylvester Robert Fahnlander, the son of Sylvester and Lucille (Gustafson) Fahnlander was born in Fargo, North Dakota on November 16th, 1934, the oldest of three children. Bob began school in Fargo until his family relocated to Sioux City. Bob attended Catholic grade school and was confirmed in Sioux City. While in high school he was an altar server for many ordinations under the bishop. He was also a member of the football, basketball, track, and baseball teams. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1952. After high school, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve where he graduated basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station. It was at a college dance in Sioux City, Iowa where Bob met JoAnn Berberich, who was attending Briar Cliff College. In 1955, Bob and JoAnn were married in St. Louis Catholic Church in Royal, Iowa. They lived in the Chicago area for one year, while Bob attended Chicago Technical College and JoAnn taught school. They returned to the Royal area where Bob became a farmer and JoAnn continued to teach school. There they raised their family of eight children. During those years Bob served on the Clay Central School Board twice; the Farmer's Coop Board; and the St. Louis Catholic Church Building Committee. Bob was a longtime member and past president of the Clay County Pork Producers where he especially enjoyed working in the Chop Shop at the Clay County Fair. Bob served on Congressman Berkley Bedell's Farm Advisory Committee up until Congressman Bedell's retirement. Bob was a 40-year member of the Royal Lion's Club, serving two terms as president where he was instrumental in putting lights in at the ball diamond in Royal. He enjoyed helping with the Royal Lion's Club cart at the Clay County Fair for many years with his longtime friend, Clifford Hepworth. Bob coached little league baseball for many years, during which he coached all five of his sons. He loved driving his family on numerous summer trips through most of the states in the U.S. as they visited relatives and friends. A favorite place for Bob to visit was California to see his brother- and sister-in-law. While in California, Bob enjoyed attending UCLA basketball games including the 1995 National Championship through his nephew, Doug Erickson. However, Bob's favorite pastime was following Notre Dame Football starting in the early 1940's. Bob began attending games there in 1953 to see one of his high school friends who started for the Irish and continued over the years seeing more than 20 games there- - his final game being this past November. From the time he started farming, Bob loved taking care of the land and his farmstead. Bob also enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's athletic and musical activities throughout their school years. Bob was known for his generosity of time and talents, his sense of humor, and love for his family. Bob passed away on July 3rd, 2017 at the age of 82. Left to cherish his memory and love of the farm are his wife and eight children; 27 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Rob Fahnlander of Johnston, IA (Kelsey (Jared) Dennis and four children of Springfield, IL). Kathy Senne of Rochester, MN (Joe (Nicole) Senne of Denver, CO; Kyle (Ashley) Senne and two children of Lakeville, MN; Tom (Becca) Senne and two children of Rochester, MN, and Aaron Senne of Denver, CO). Kristin (Scott) Shelton of Kingwood, TX (Brett Shelton of Kingwood, TX; Brian (Amy) Shelton and two children of Minot, ND). Mark Fahnlander of Royal, IA (Skye of Pocatello, ID and Roman of Sioux Falls, SD). Kara (John) Schoepfer of Ames, IA (Evy and Trudy). Vince (Linda) Fahnlander of Plymouth, MN (Michael, Maria, Nicholas, Anthony, Daniel, and Elizabeth). Kevin (Lisa) Fahnlander, of Royal, IA (Mitch, Taylor of St. Paul, MN, Jill, Kally, and Nicole). Matt (Tami) Fahnlander of Urbandale, IA (Noelle, Brady, Max, Timmy, and Bridget). He is survived by his two sisters, MaryLou (Jerry) Schneiders of Salix, IA and Jean Dallen of Palm Springs, Florida, as well as many friends and relatives. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three infant siblings; and one infant grandson, Robert Lawrence Fahnlander II.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT