Robert William Ahrold
Born: July 26th, 1917
Died: January 3rd, 2013
Obituary
Robert William "Bob" Ahrold, 95, of Burlington, Iowa, died on Thursday morning January 3, 2013 at Burlington Care Center, Burlington, Iowa. He was born on July 26, 1917 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Rose and George Ahrold.
The family moved to Chicago where Bob graduated from Loyola Academy. While attending the University of Iowa he was called into service of WW II. While in college during his junior year he attended the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He was an Officer in the Counter Intelligence Corp. of the U.S. Army and saw service in France and Germany.
Bob married Marianne Prugh in 1942. Following the war he and his family moved to Burlington. There he was very involved in community activities. He was president and actor at Players Workshop, and one of the founders of South Hill Park Top O The Town Festival.
He owned Burlington Tent & Awning and McConnell Co and Mail Order Company Heather House. He designed and had manufactured numerous souvenirs items sold nationwide, particularly the State salt and peppers and the Christmas tree trivet. Bob traveled the world and visited Paris often. He had many close friends in Paris.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne; three children, Robert "Robbin" (Kyle) Ahrold of New York, City, NY, Mari Jill Ahrold of Alexandria, VA and Jon "Buzz" (Linda) Ahrold of Burlington, Iowa; three granddaughters, Lauren (William Bailey) Ahrold, Elizabeth Ahrold and Tierney (Geoffrey) Lorenz; three grandsons, Spencer Ahrold Seibert, Elliot Ahrold Seibert and Eldon (Kate Strembicki) Ahrold; one great-granddaughter, Beatrice Rose Ahrold; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bill and Jack and one daughter Shawn.
The Funeral Mass for Robert William Ahrold will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 9:30 a.m at St. Paul Catholic Church, Burlington, Iowa. Fr. Bruce DeRammelaere will be the celebrant. Special music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa.
A memorial has been established for Hope Haven Development Center.