Robert “Bob” John Palla
July 26, 2015
Bob Palla, 68, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on July 26, 2015, at his home in Ankeny. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to John and Evelyn Palla.
Bob obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from Northwestern University in Chicago when he met, and later married in 1972, his beloved “Sporty Import” wife, Mia. Continuing his education, he received his master’s degree in environmental health engineering from Notre Dame. Bob then moved to Des Moines where he began his lifelong career with the DNR in waste water management, retiring in 2011.
Bob was a social butterfly and was known to many as Señor Bob and Bob with one O. He was currently taking informal Spanish lessons at El Mariachi and was able to charm all he met with his new skills. Bob never knew a stranger and made friends wherever he went.
Bob is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 43 years, Mia; his daughters, Kristi (Jesse) Christensen and Kate (Leo) Ziebol; grandsons, Isaac and Levi Christensen; as well as a host of other family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015, at First Family Church, 317 SE Magazine Road in Ankeny. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the church in loving memory of Bob.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Robert and Pauline
07/28/2015
To Bobby P:
You are gone before your time.
More later, we are too stunned and choked up. Hugs to Mia.
Bobby V and P
Peter and Catherine Marinkovic
07/28/2015
Mia, my dear sister and my lovely nieces Katie and Kristi we are so sorry for your loss. Your husband and father was probably one of the most gentle individuals that I have ever met in my 63 years on this earth. I can say that this world was a much better place with him while he was living. May God provide you all with comfort in the many difficult days ahead. We love all of you. We will be there for you for whatever you may need.
John and Janet Carroll
07/28/2015
This is one condolence message that is very difficult to write. When we received the news on Sunday, it was shocking to hear that "Captain Bob" was gone. The last event we spent with Bob & Mia was at the Cubs game on June 12, we all had a great time as we did at all the Cubs games that we attended with Bob & Mia. Bob was one of the best social planners, a cherished friend, an adoring husband, a go to father, a fun grandpa and an all around happy person. I always looked forward to his hugs and the a peck on each cheek. I am certain with his organizational skills, he is getting heaven ready for the biggest super bowl party ever! Mia, Kristi and Katie, may God provide comfort for each of you in all the days ahead. Love you all~ Jahni and Janet
Stan and Billie Broich
07/28/2015
Having gone to a Cubs game with Bob and Mia just a few weeks ago, we are shocked and so sad to know that was the last time to see "Captain Bob." Not only was he Captain of his boat, he was the "president" of our GAS (Gaming and Social) club. It just doesn't seem possible that someone so full of LIFE can leave us so suddenly. What GREAT memories we have: GAS club, PBS (pre-bug season) parties, the big hugs we always got from Bob, and so many more happy thoughts. We can't think of Bob without smiling and so that is how we will always remember and love Bob - smiles all around! May God strengthen and comfort you, Mia, and all of your family. Love to all - Stan and Miss April
Cyrus Rustin
07/27/2015
When I saw the e-mail from Lavoy with the subject line Sad News I assumed another retired DNR employee of great age had passed away. However, the last name I expected to read this morning was that of my dear friend. Bob was both a mentor and friend to me, in addition to everyone else at the DNR lucky enough to cross his path. He was a one man institution, and upon his retiring the DNR had a hard time filling such enormous shoes. A lot of us were quick to miss the easygoing personality, sense of humor, helpfulness, and companionship following his well deserved retirement. The public lost an efficient and knowledgeable state employee who made their encounter with the DNR easy.
When his mother passed on he had told me that she has outlived all of her friends and most of her family members. Sadly, how wrong I was to tell Bob that with his mothers genes and his athleticism, he will outlive us all.
Bobs funeral being scheduled for Thursday is so fitting. Thursdays were the days that Bob used to encourage everyone to put on red attire and have a happy day. He would religiously go around wishing people happy Thursday and have a picture taken with them. I plan on sporting my red shirt for his funeral in an effort to bring a simile to his face in heaven. My deepest condolences to Mia, family, and friends. Rest in peace Bob, you will be dearly missed.
Jan & Alex Youngblood
07/27/2015
It's with a broken heart that I write this condolence. Bob was more than a neighbor to us for more than 20 years we were friends. He'd help anytime I asked for it and never quit a project until he had it exactly right. There are no words to describe how much we'll miss him and his always friendly smile and kind words. From singing along with Dean Martin returning from a Cubs game or drinking coffee around the table. All our love goes out to Mia and the girls and we will be there for them. I guess God needed something fixed in heaven and wanted the best.
We will always love you Bob!
Christel Rösler
07/27/2015
I feel so sad and my thoughts and prayers are on the Way to the Family. I am Glad I Met Bob two years ago in Germany. He was a wonderful man, everybody loved him, his Humor , his kindness. I am missing him very much and I wish I could be in USA right now. God bless the Family. I am the Cousin from Mia
Andrea Rosene
07/27/2015
My sweet sweet uncle Bob, he was a sweet ..amazing..loving..funny.. intelligent. .. .happy ..caring man. Never raised his voice. Always there for someone to talk to. I wish we lived closer. Did not get to see him as much as the rest of the family but still loved him just as much he was a wonderfull uncle he will be loved and missed alot I love you uncle Bob you were a amazing person wish I got to enjoy and learn how to make your pizza :) I wish my children got to enjoy you as much as I did. Rest in peace my dear uncle god bless...
love you always your nice Andrea
Jeff Shuck
07/26/2015
My Uncle Bob...
Was absolutely one of the most kind-hearted, intelligent, genuinely good hearted people I've ever met in my life.
The 4 or 5 times a year that my Aunt Mia and Uncle Bob would come to visit, I embraced their presence with eagerness and excitement. When my mom would tell me they were coming in town "this weekend", I instantly became happier regardless of the state I was is.
I also knew that there would be gas station (Casey's) pizzas waiting for me when they arrived, Jack (the puppy) as well. When my uncle came in to town, we always shot pool, worked on my car, and talked all night. He had an amazing sense of humor that would make you laugh at things when they weren't even really funny.
He was so excited when he found out I was having a house built last month. He wanted to help in so many ways. He was also very excited to help me build my car. We've been doing that for a few years now.
I'm really going to miss that pizza, those great laughs, and amazing late night conversations while he's in my engine bay and I'm getting smashed by the trans under the car. Or how I would wake up in the morning to him starring at a wiring diagram that you would have to be Einstein to read. He NEVER failed to find a solution and fix whatever problem was in front of him. Most of all, I'm going to miss my great friend.
Any of you that knew Bob or even met him briefly, had a great honor and blessing. You can now appreciate what greatness is and how the world truly suffered a great loss today.
When my car is finished uncle Bob, I'll leave the front seat open every now and then for you when I drive alone.
Thank you for everything you've done for me and for the person you always were.
I'll see you again sometime my friend.
With eternal love,
your nephew and friend,
Jeff
Wendy Ziebol
07/26/2015
Dear Mia, Kristy, Jesse, Kate and Leo and family - our hearts go out to you at this difficult time in the loss of beloved Bob. We are lifting you all up in prayer for God's comfort. We love you all!