Robert Alexander McLaren, son of George Kells McLaren and Lucille Gail (Christ) McLaren, was born on September 8, 1931, in Shenandoah, Iowa. "Bob" passed away on Monday, April 3, 2006, at his home in rural Shenandoah following a brief bout with cancer at the age of 74.
Growing up in rural Shenandoah, he received his education from Mount Etna Country School and from Shenandoah High School. Following high school, he began farming full-time on the family farm. Bob served his country during the Korean War, entering active duty in the Army on January 6, 1953. He was honorably discharged on October 21, 1954. Upon his arrival back home, he resumed farming.
On February 16, 1958, Bob was united in marriage to Joyce Peterson at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Both Bob and Joyce are lifelong residents of Shenandoah. Bob was active in livestock and crop farming in the area and was proud to own and live on a Century Farm. He retired from farming in 2001.
Bob was a member of the Shenandoah Elks Club B. P. O. E. #1122 for 45 years and a member of the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88 for 47 years. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Bob enjoyed boating, golfing and playing cards. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents; brother, Sterling McLaren; two sister-in-laws, Jackie and Vivian McLaren; and a granddaughter, Alexandria McLaren. Survivors include his wife, Joyce McLaren of the home; three children, Julia McLaren, Bruce McLaren and his wife Donna, and Elizabeth McLaren, all of Indianola, Iowa; and three grandchildren, Wesley, Riley and Caitlin McLaren, all of Indianola. Also surviving are brothers, J. F. McLaren of Farragut, George Allen McLaren and his wife Pat of Atlanta, GA and Richard McLaren and his wife Marlene of Spirit Lake, IA; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Memorials are being directed to either the Shenandoah Elks Club #1122 or to Shenandoah Hospice in Bob's name.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. The Rev. James Gubser gave the words of comfort. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery.