12/09/2010
A celebration of life for Robert D. Haning of Knoxville was held on Monday, December 13, 2010, at the Community of Christ Church. Burial will be in the Ruckman Cemetery at a later date.
Bob was born on November 20, 1926, in Red Rock, Iowa to George and Bessie (Gibbons) Haning. He was the third of five children (four boys and one girl).
He attended country school until the eighth grade and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947 after returning from service in World War II.
Bob was united in marriage to Marilyn Bruce on July 24, 1948, in Mankato, Minnesota
Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 and was discharged from active duty on June 26, 1946. He served in the Pacific on SC 645, a minesweeper. He also served in the Naval Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard before retiring on February 6, 1981, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Bob was a mechanic for most of his employment. He was self-employed in his own garage with his brother Gene until he became employed with the Army National Guard at Camp Dodge. He also worked at the Marion County shop before gaining employment at 3M. Bob retired from 3M in 1988.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend whose generosity was as big as his heart. After retirement, he liked to build birdhouses to give away. He enjoyed baseball, softball, and bowling. He continued bowling in league play until his illness in November.
Many will remember his cooking skills, especially his cookies and peanut clusters! Bob passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 84 years and 23 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Loretta Henry, and brother, Gene Haning.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; daughters, Cindy Nielsen and Mindy DeZwarte of Knoxville; son Bruce Haning of Elbert, CO; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Arl Haning, John (Pat) Haning all of Knoxville.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Community of Christ Church or to Hospice of Central Iowa. Online condolences may be left at bertrandfuneralhomes.com
Original Publication Date: December 23, 2010