Obituary of Robert Errthum

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, three sons and their families, Troy & Martha Errthum, Travis, Trevor and Tanner of Pleasant Hill, IA, Brett & Heather Errthum and Sam of Davenport, and Eric Errthum and fiancee Kate Nichols of College Park, MD. Brothers and sisters; Leon & Elaine Errthum and Allen & Carol Errthum both of Dubuque, Nick & Carol Errthum of North Buena Vista, IA, Jerome & Marlene Errthum of Sherrill, IA, Ed (& Deb Clemen) Errthum of Holy Cross, Gen Pike of Houston, TX, Mary & Richard Hayes of Glencoe, MN, Kathy & Wayne Rudebeck of Dallas, TX, Barb & John Taylor of Holy Cross; in-laws, Marvin & Norma Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Jerry & Jan Deutmeyer of Dubuque, Richard & Helen Deutmeyer of Luxemburg, Dianne & Dennis Duwe of Luxemburg, Mary & Don Frommung of Praire Du Sac, WI, Grace & Clete Clemen of East Dubuque, IL. He was preceded in death by a son Kevin Edward Errthum; his parents, Leo & Frances Errthum; a brother and sister-in-law, Donald & Carol Errthum; parents-in-law, Lawrence & Helen Deutmeyer; two brothers-in-law, Jim Oberbroeckling and Ralph Deutmeyer. Bob was born on March 21, 1950 in Fennimore, WI, the son of Leo and Frances (Hefel) Errthum. He grew to manhood in Holy Cross, IA, graduating from Leo High School in 1968. On September 25, 1971 he married Phyllis Deutmeyer in Luxemburg, IA. Robert was a loving, supportive husband to his social butterfly. Bob and Phyllis have shared a passion for their acreage. For over 30 years they have created a beautiful home that they have shared with family and friends. As a father, he led by his quiet example, and his four grandsons enjoyed spending time with "Grandpa Bob". He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 32 years, where he was highly respected for his mechanical skills and affectionately known as "Backhoe Bob". Bob was also employed at Rainbo Oil, Wulfehuhle Bros., and Associate Milk Producers, Inc., where he drove a milk truck. He also was a sub driver for W. D. school district for a short time and was able to share the challenges of Phyllis's job. Never backing down from a challenge, he made the impossible possible. Bob enthusiastically embraced any opportunity to lend a hand to family and friends. Bob enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, and most recently fulfilled a life-long dream of flying. He was a certified ultralight pilot and took joy in flying from his own private runway. "What an awesome view from up there."