Robert Weber

Robert Weber, 76, of Des Moines, Iowa was called home to Heaven on Wednesday, November 21, following a brief illness at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
He was born in 1942 in Stout, IA, the son of Edward and Viola Weber. He was born again on November 26, 1959 while reading Isaiah 53:6 and would make it his life’s mission to spread the word of the Gospel. He attended Dike High School and graduated in 1960. As a child and young man, he was always interested in how things work and pursued those interests at Iowa State University where he studied Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering – receiving a BS, MS and PhD. He married the love of his life, Joan Rogers from Cleveland, OH in 1965.
Robert started his career in 1963 with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA. Collins Radio became a part of Rockwell Collins and during his 25 year career he received many patents and awards for his innovations. He was awarded the Rockwell Engineer of the Year in 1979 and received an Outstanding Technical Contribution award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1987 for his breakthrough innovation that miniaturized the GPS receiver – establishing the path for creation of the handheld GPS devices used around the world.
In 1988 he joined the faculty at Iowa State to pursue his passion for research and teaching, most recently as Professor and Director of the Analog and Mixed Signal VLSI Design Center. He was influential in the education of many young engineers who have gone on to pursue careers in innovation and research. He retired from Iowa State in 2010 but continued helping with research and mentoring young engineers as Professor Emeritus. After his retirement, he built a lab in his basement to continue to pursue his passion. He received a number of additional patents for his work providing innovation support for small businesses in Iowa.
Robert was driven by his faith which influenced everything in his daily life. He was a leader in several Gospel Hall assemblies in Eastern / Northeastern Iowa and established new outreaches in Ridgeport and Ankeny, Iowa. As a soldier for the Lord, many people heard the good news of the Gospel and were led to Christ.
Robert was most proud of his family and loved family get togethers to catch up, talk about the “old times”, help fix something or explain a cool concept somebody had a question about. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Joan; children, Bonnie Lohrbach (Ben) of Tampa, FL, Tim Weber (Michelle) of Waukee, IA, and Brian Weber (Carrie) of Columbus, OH.; his beloved grandchildren, David, Sara, Max, Joe, Meredith and Cameron; brother Lloyd (Mary Lou) Weber of Dunkerton, IA.; sister Shirley (Gavin) Collins of Roseville, MN.; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In death, Robert rejoined his parents and two sisters: Laura in infancy and Wilma Niedert.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., on Monday evening at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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