Robert Crouse

Robert Louis Crouse, 81, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away on September 5th, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center with visitation prior at 9:00 AM. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to the Cedar Valley Hospice or to Alzheimer’s research. Engelkes-Ables Funeral Home is taking care of Bob and his family.

Robert Louis Crouse was born on February 23, 1936 to Donald and Iva (Crook) Crouse in Cylinder, IA. Bob attended Lehigh High School graduating with the class of 1954. Bob served in the Army between 1956 to 1959 as a mechanic, and was stationed for most of his service in Alaska being honorably discharged. During his service, Bob was united in marriage to Anna Marie Speck on March 2nd, 1957 in Carson City, Nevada. Bob lived with Ann in Alaska during his service until they returned home to Iowa. Bob graduated from Iowa State University in 1962 and went on to receive his master’s in education.

Bob spent most of his life influencing the minds of children as he was a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Bob made an impact in many different communities including Maxwell, Leon, Dysart, and Grundy Center, Iowa. Bob was known for his love of education and children. Bob was also very active in the communities in which he lived and was a member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Kiwannis. Bob also enjoyed fishing, flying, tinkering and fixing things, woodworking, gardening, and the outdoors.

Bob is survived by his wife Ann Crouse; children Dan (Kristy) Crouse of Seattle, WA, Al (Sue) Crouse of Stillwater, MN, Kathy (Steve) Ditsworth of Burt, IA, and Scott (Ann) Crouse of Johnston, IA; sister Helen Helberg of Duluth, MN; grandchildren Megan Fries, Jackie McDonald, Brad Johnson, Nicole Dennler, Jackson Crouse, Lily Crouse, and Max Crouse; great grandchildren Brody Johnson, Lincoln Fries, Willa Fries and Beau Dennler. Bob is preceeded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Ed, sister Donna Smith, and granddaughter Laura McDonald