Robert "Bob" Hall

Robert Lee Hall
Altoona

Robert “Bob” Hall, 86, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at Prairie Vista Village in Altoona, Iowa.

Bob was born on January 13, 1939, in Aden, Illinois, to Ruby Hall. From a young age, he embodied a strong work ethic, beginning his first job around age 12. Growing up in rural Illinois, Bob didn’t experience electricity until he was eight years old when he saw streetlights in town for the first time. That humble beginning shaped the grit and gratitude he carried throughout his life. A “jack of all trades,” Bob was known not only for his hands-on skill but also for his optimism and resilience — even using “never give up keep going” as his computer password.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Bob had a special love for gardening and was proud of his sunflower that grew taller than him each year. He had a deep appreciation for nature and a talent for cultivating beauty from the earth. He also had a keen interest in the stock market and spent many hours on his computer tracking investments.

Bob was a longtime member of Trinity on Fifth Church, formerly known as Altoona United Methodist Church, where he generously volunteered many hours for various church activities. His faith and dedication to service were a cornerstone of his life.

Bob met the love of his life, Wilma, as a teenager, and the two married when he was 19. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years, raising a family and traveling the world, both for work and for pleasure. Bob worked for 34 years in sales at M & W Gear Company, a career that took him across the United States and Canada. Despite his demanding work life, he always made time for his family.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Wilma; daughters Kristy (Roger) Merschman and Cheryl (Greg) Phillips; grandchildren Alexandria (Nate) Greim, Keaton Merschman, Clarissa Merschman, Justin (Callie) Phillips, and Bret (Megan) Phillips; great-grandchildren Cooper Greim, Afton Phillips, and Zoe Phillips; and siblings, Nancy (Kenny) Stallings, Bill Starks, and Randy Starks. He is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, infant brother, Carl Starks; siblings, Darrel Starks and Della Morris, and a great-granddaughter.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Trinity on Fifth Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, Altoona.
A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon to be held at the church afterward. Interment will take place at Altoona Cemetery after luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Altoona Police and Fire Departments in loving memory of Bob.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

Print