Robert Lee Vander Leest Sr.

Robert “Bob” Lee Vander Leest Sr., 80, of Newton, Iowa, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2025, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 4, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Newton Baptist Temple, UAW Retirees, or the Jasper County Senior Citizens may be left at the funeral home.

Bob was born on July 23, 1944, in Prairie City, Iowa, the son of Gerrit R. and Alice Parmelia (Hawkins) VanderLeest. Bob attended school in Newton and spent his entire life in the Newton area. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, devotion to family and deep faith.

Bob worked at Maytag Corporation, dedicating his time and effort there until his retirement in 1992. He also held several part-time jobs, including at AE Dairy and doing concrete work. After retirement, Bob enjoyed working with his brother-in-law, Carlo Supino, on electrical projects and building garages with his friends, activities that brought him great fulfillment.

Bob was united in marriage to Carmen Nelson on November 19, 1977. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared memories. Bob was a proud member of the Newton Baptist Temple, the Jasper County Senior Citizens and the UAW Retirees. Bob will be remembered for his love of family, his skill in teaching his grandkids many things (including how to drive fast!), his great sense of humor, his strong faith in the Lord, and his unforgettable smile.

Bob leaves behind his loving family: Carmen, his wife of 47 years; his son, Robert (Traci) VanderLeest Jr. of Newton; his daughter, Robin (Randy) Repp of Toccoa, Georgia; his son, Randy (Melody) VanderLeest of Newton; his stepson, Bryan (Tiffany) Wedeking of Newton; his cherished grandchildren: Nicholaas VanderLeest (Mindy Schrader), Travis VanderLeest (Lacy Lear), Shawn (Holliana) VanderLeest, Thad (Faith) Repp, Ashley (Steven) Fuller, Amber (Matt) Vandiver, Skyler (Abbie) Wedeking, Gage Wedeking, Ariel James, Ashton Finch, Kyzr James, and Niyah James; many great-grandchildren; his sisters, Bev (Carlo) Supino and his twin, Roberta Lewis; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and neighbors who  will deeply miss him.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James; and his sisters, Dolores McMaster, Janet Eilander and Shirley Harris.

Bob’s memory will live on through his family, the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on his friends.