Robert Dean Straw, 81, of Independence, IA went to be with the Lord Saturday, surrounded by his family, on September 22, 2018 at his home in Independence, IA.

Robert was born on February 9, 1937 in Independence, IA, the son of Raymond and Nellie (Fowlkes) Straw. He attended the Independence Community Schools. He spent several years living in California after he finished school and later moved back to Iowa in 1963. On May 14, 1964 Robert and Donna Mae Hertzberg were united in marriage in Galena, IL, and they made their home in Independence, IA. Robert worked for E & F Construction and Seadorf & Skogman Construction in Cedar Rapids, IA until he started working at John Deere in Waterloo, IA in 1967. He spent 31 working for John Deere, until his retirement in 1998. Robert was also a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union.

Robert and Donna owned a cabin at Lake Delhi, and he enjoyed letting his grandchildren drive the pontoon boat around the lake. He also loved to go fishing and hunting, and enjoyed woodworking. Most of all, family was his life.

He is survived by his wife Donna Straw, Independence, IA, his children; Roxanne (Dwayne) Schiller, Stout, IA, Justine (Jeff) Smock, Ryan, IA, and Meshell (Jim) Hawkins, Independence, IA, his grandchildren; Brooklyn Hamilton, Trenton Schiller, Whitney Schiller, Britney Schiller, Derrick Klever, Jordon Smock, Bret Hawkins, Alyssa Hawkins, Kody Slife, and 11 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Nellie Straw, and his siblings; Raymond Straw, Richard Straw, Marvin Straw, and Betty Lou Topp.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Reiff Family Center Independence, IA. A private funeral service will be held at a later date, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery.