Robert "Bob" Chabel

Robert Chabal, age 96, of Grundy Center died of heart failure on May 14, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at Cornerstone Methodist Church, 707 Sixth Street, on July 21 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service, starting at 10:00. Private inurnment services will be held in the future at Elmgrove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa.

Bob was born on October 14, 1926, in Washington to Ameal and Elsie Chabal and grew up on a farm near Kalona. He graduated from Washington High School in 1945, Washington Junior College in 1948 and Iowa State Teachers College in 1952. He attended the National Science Institute in both Logan, Utah, and Murray, Kentucky. He taught school for two years in Ainsworth, one year in Spirit Lake, and 35 years in the Grundy Center School District. He coached junior high football and track.

On March 27, 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Doris Hooper. To this union two children were born, Robert, Jr. and Janelle. Bob was a 67-year member of the Methodist Church in Grundy Center where he served as a trustee and chairman of the financial board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Grundy Center and a former member of the Lions Club.

Bob liked watching all sports, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, woodworking, feeding and watching birds, and traveling. He has enjoyed watching his four granddaughters grow up and followed them in their athletic and musical events whenever possible.

Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris; daughter Jan and her husband Jeff Larson; daughter-in-law Shari Chabal; and granddaughters Chloe Chabal, Grace Chabal, Hannah Larson, and Sonya Larson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Rob, his parents, and his siblings Mabel Chabal, Dorothy Marston, Stanley Chabal, and Edward Chabal.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice or directly to the family.