Robert "Bob" Evans
Long-time area business man and entrepreneur Robert "Bob" Evans, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2014 at his winter home in Spring Hill, Florida, at the age of 79. Honoring his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral Mass will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Clinton, Iowa. A visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Holleran, Al Goerdt, Jack Chase, Al Huestis, Ralph Turnbull, John Weber and Danny Florence. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Bob was born October 16, 1934, in East St. Louis, Illinois to Charles Gabriel and Minnie (Smith) Evans. He graduated from high school in Rockford, Illinois in 1952. He graduated from Rockford College, acquiring a Bachelor's of Science degree, in 1961. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in August of 1962. He was married to Beth Hancock-Evans until their divorce. He was then united in marriage to Jackie Schlotfeldt-Wise on March 4, 1991.
In August 1960 Bob joined the family owned newspaper, the Clinton Herald, and in 1967 was named publisher until 1980. For 35 years he was on the Board of Directors for Clinton National Bank, President of - the Iowa Daily Press, W.J. Young Company, Clinton Chamber of Commerce , Clinton Airport Commission, The United Way, Clinton Area Development Commission, Advisors Board of Mount Saint Clare College. He was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, The National Journalism Board, One of the founders of Clinton Cable T.V., Two times owner of Valley Oaks Golf Course, Developer of Valley Oaks subdivision, and several others. He was also the owner of the Carousal Restaurant, Business Jets International, Tri-County Implement in DeWitt.
Bob had a vision - he could make something out of nothing; the glass was always 1/2 full not 1/2 empty. Over the course of a half a century he was known as one of the most influential and intellectual businessmen and entrepreneurs in the area.
Other than his passion for business, Bob loved to travel in his motor home across the country with his wife Jackie. He enjoyed his extensive collection of classic cars that he had in his showroom and featured in many car magazines. With his close connection to Valley Oaks, he also found time to play a game of golf with his many friends. While in Florida he became an avid salt water fisherman. Above all he loved his family very much and supported them in all of their endeavors. He also dearly loved his two cats. He will be sadly missed by his family and many throughout the Clinton community.
Bob is survived by his wife Jackie of Clinton, IA.; one daughter - Catherine (Scott) Evans-Marcucci of Reedsburg, WI , two sons - Courtland "Corky" Evans of Clinton, IA., Robert "Bob" (Carissa) Evans of Clinton, IA., one step son - Charles (Angie) Ebensberger of West Des Moines, IA., eleven grandchildren, and numerous friends made during his lifetime.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents, his first wife Beth Hancock-Evans, one brother - Charles and one sister - Mary Ellen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Prince of Peace Catholic Parish or the St. Boniface Historical Society.

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