Robert Russell Simon

Robert R. Simon, 76, of Riverside, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones after battling Parkinson’s Disease.  Per his wishes, he is being cremated without visitation or services at this time.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Riverside Fire Department or Iowa City Hospice in memory of Bob.  Sympathy notes may be left for the Simon family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.   Cards can be mailed to the family at 2814 Highway 22, Riverside, Iowa  52327.  The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Bob’s family and arrangements.

Robert Russell Simon was born on March 24, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa the son of Ferdinand and Velma (Stransky) Simon.  Bob graduated from Riverside High School, Class of 1963.  That fall, he enlisted in the US Navy serving during the Vietnam War.  He could not swim but was a true Sailor.  He enjoyed shore leave and made lifelong friends telling stories when they got together.  After four years of service, Bob returned to Iowa.  Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW 6414 in Riverside. 

On April 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sharon Louise Duwa at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside.  Bob was a mechanic, problem solver, tinkerer and collector of things he could repurpose.  Bob and his son worked on garden tractors together, even participating in Tractor Pulls.  He was a true, “Bob the Builder”.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; his children, Theresa (Barry) Oaks of Gravette, Arkansas and Russell (Angela Niffen) Simon of Riverside; grandchildren, Nicholas Oaks, Timothy Oaks (currently serving in the US Navy), Spencer Niffen, Ally Tripses; great-granddaughter, Everleigh Tripses; Bob’s faithful companions, Waldo and Petie and siblings, Carol Lynch (Owen Roth) of Washington, Marvin (Katy) Simon of Riverside and Richard (Barb) Simon of Riverside and in-laws, Pat (Dewayne) Zousel, John Duwa, Bobbi (Brian) Keating and Steve (Linda) Duwa.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Vince (Betty) Simon, Paul (Pat) Simon, Francis Simon and Lucille (George) Sojka.

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