Robert “Bob” D. Boelk, 88, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Bethany Home, surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 3, at GracePoint Church, 3100 Windsor Ave, and will continue on Saturday, January 4, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, at Grace Point Church. Reverend Jeff Durham will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.  Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory.

Bob was born February 13, 1936 in Stockton, IL, the son of Melvin Henry and Viola Rose (Northrup) Boelk. He married D. Marjorie Kelley in 1956, and they had four children. Following their separation, he married Mable Wood on January 2, 1982. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2020.

Bob graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army from 1958 – 1964. He was employed at the Dubuque Packing House/FDL Foods for 43 years, retiring in 1998. From 1976-2006, Bob owned and operated Christian Book Center.

Bob was devoted to his faith and his church, GracePoint, where he served as Deacon and Elder. He enjoyed camping, watching racing (especially Nascar), and WWE “wrassling”. He was an avid fan of the Cubs and Hawkeyes. Bob loved listening to music, especially bluegrass. His passion was traveling often to see family and friends, and he never stayed home long.

Bob is survived by his children, Russell (Laurie) Boelk of Burrton, KS, David Boelk Sr. of Dubuque, and Laura (Mike) Nielsen of Sparta, TN; step-daughter, Heather Montgomery, of New Franklin, MO; step-daughter-in-law Jo Ellen Newell of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Kristi Hartley and Kara Boelk, both of N. Newton, KS, David Boelk Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, Margaret Nielsen of Roanoke, VA and Lillian Nielsen, of Sparta, TN; step-grandchildren, Tommy and Jason Newell, both of Omaha, NE, Sara (Evan) Storjohann, Isaac Montgomery, Kendra (Kyle) Crowley, and Angel Willard, all of New Franklin, MO; six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Sharon (Dan) Baker of Dubuque, Kathy (Ed) Stoltz of Eldridge, IA, Norm (Pat) Boelk of Bettendorf, IA, Carol (Tom) Hirsch of Florida, and Steve (Sue) Boelk, of Dubuque.

In addition to his wife, Mable, he was preceded in death by his son, Glenn Boelk; his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Viola Boelk; his Stepson, Dennis Newell; his step-son in law, Eldon Montgomery; and his former wife, D. Marjorie Boelk.

Memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics Iowa. Bob volunteered for the Special Olympics each winter in Dubuque for multiple years.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque.