Robert “Bob” Bartholomaus

Robert “Bob” Bartholomaus, age 88 of Clarion passed away November 24, 2024 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bob Bartholomaus will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue North East, in Clarion, Iowa, with Father Jerry Blake officiating.

Visitation for Bob Bartholomaus will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion, Iowa, with a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 5:00 PM.

Robert Burdell was born on November 23, 1936 on his grandparents farm near Adrian, Minnesota. The youngest of two children of Harm R. and Jeriena (Boltjes) Bartholomaus. Robert attended grades 1-8 at Rushmore Public School in Rushmore, Minnesota and graduated from Worthington High School in Worthington, Minnesota in the Class of 1954. 

During high school and following graduation, Bob worked in several forms of employment: meat locker plant, egg processing factory, construction, grain elevator, lumber yard, and farming. 

Bob served his country enlisting in the army in October of 1958 and continuing this service with the Minnesota National Guard. He received his discharge in June of 1964, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

On September 3, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Donna Louise Metz at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian, Minnesota. Bob and Donna were blessed with 65 years of marriage. From this union, three children were born Kim, Brett, and Scott, and they raised their family in Clarion, Iowa. 

Bob began his banking career on December 1, 1954 in his hometown with First State Bank of Rushmore, Minnesota. On February 1, 1958, Bob accepted a position with The State Bank of Worthington, Minnesota leading to an officer position and head of consumer loan department. On July 1, 1964, Bob was hired by the First National Bank of Clarion as cashier. He was promoted to Vice President, Executive Vice President, and on December 31, 1983 to President and CEO. In the year 1994, the First National Bank of Clarion became a part of the First Citizens National Bank of Mason City, Iowa, and Bob continued to serve as Regional Bank President until his retirement on March 1, 2000. During his years of banking, he attended Iowa State Ag Credit School and the graduate school of banking at Madison, Wisconsin. After retirement, he continued to serve the bank as consultant and with business development until December 31, 2008. 

Bob was a member of several service organizations, serving as President of the Clarion Jaycees, Clarion Chamber, and the Clarion Development Commission. He served as Treasurer for the Clarion Foundation for Community Improvement and the Clarion-Goldfield School District. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Heartland Museum. Bob was an active campaign organizer in the community. He co-chaired the $2.5 million hospital expansion and assisted with the campaigns for The Meadows Assisted Living, the Clarion playground, Heartland Museum, and the campaigns for the Clarion-Goldfield weightroom, scoreboards, and band uniforms. Bob and Donna also supported all of these campaigns financially as well as other community improvement projects, such as the Clarion Library, the Clarion Aquatic Center, and the Clarion Theater.

Bob was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion. He served as the chairperson of the Parish Council and the Parish Finance Committee on several occasions. Most recently, he co-chaired the St. John’s Elevator Committee. Bob’s faith and involvement in the church were an integral part of his life.

Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Donna, and they shared their life loving and caring for each other. His family was his joy. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a treasure to him as well as his many lifelong friends. Bob spent his lifetime involved and supporting his community. He enjoyed supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their school and sporting events. He remained an avid follower of the Cowboys Football and Wresting Programs. He loved dogs and helping take care of all of those in the family.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Donna; daughter Kim (Kirk) Disney of Clarion; sons Brett (Michelle) Bartholomaus of Marco Island, Florida and Scott (Anne) Bartholomaus of Katy, Texas; grandchildren Kyle (Alicia) Disney, Kole (Brittany) Disney, Kari (Gabriel) Wendt, Nicholas Bartholomaus, Austin (Megan) Bartholomaus, Hannah Bartholomaus, Joseph (Carly) Bartholomaus, Logan Labreck, Trey Bartholomaus, and Taylor Bartholomaus; great-grandchildren Greyson, Delaney, Laurel, Maren, and Kolt Disney, Lauren Brenn, and Eleanor, Luke, and Walker Bartholomaus. He is also survived by his loving sister, LaVonne Vogt of Luverne, Minnesota and Donna’s brothers, sisters, and spouses.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Louis and Vivian Metz; brothers-in-law, Harold Vogt, Donald Lursen, Mylo Metz, Dale Buss; and sister-in-law Delores “Dee” Ruser.

Bob requested that memorials be designated to St. John’s Catholic Church of Clarion, Iowa.

www.ewingfh.com

Ewing Funeral Home

1801 Central Avenue East

Clarion, Iowa, 50525

515-532-2233