Robert J. Lynch, 84, of LaMotte, IA passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Luther Manor  surrounded by his family from dementia.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Martin Obeng officiating. Burial will take place at Holy Rosary Cemetery, LaMotte, IA. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Robert was born June 25, 1940 in Dubuque, IA. He was the oldest of 9 children of Joseph and Marcella (Theisen) Lynch. He married Charlene Pancratz on Sept. 10, 1966 at St Joseph the Prairie Catholic Church. They just celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary.

Robert was a hard-working man. He farmed with his family in Otter Creek, IA after his father’s unexpected death in 1964. He worked for many farmers and mill jobs over the years. Robert retired from Addoco Inc in 2010 at the age of 70. His family was his world. He didn’t say much but what he said spoke volumes. He demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout his life and undoubtedly instilled that in all of his children. The kids have many memories of stacking and cutting wood. They learned how to drive a stick in the 1964 GMC truck and helped him work with area farmers in the fields and baling hay. He was proud of his apple trees and garden produce and would share with many neighbors and family. He would even kid his brother-in-law Gary who had the better tomatoes.

Robert taught his kids to appreciate nature and to hunt, fish, and trap.  The family would fish for bullheads at the Maquoketa Dam or take fishing trips to Minnesota with their Grandparents coming along. Robert and Charlene hosted the Fourth of July in LaMotte for many years. Dad would have the coolers all lined up outside on the porch with all the decorations ready. The day always included playing pool, cards, and visiting. At Christmas time, Robert would have Christmas lights hung all over the yard. The kids kidded him they were the Griswold Family!

Robert married the love of his life, Charlene Pancratz on Sept.10, 1966, at St Joseph the Prairie Church. They met at the KC Hall in LaMotte.  Charlene always said Bob swept her off her feet with his smooth dance moves. Together they had 7 children and built a life of love, faith, and family.  Robert had profound hearing loss. In 2013, he received a cochlear implant that changed his life. He could hear his sweet grandchildren’s voices and have conversations that he never had before. We hope you are enjoying feeding the birds, visiting with family, growing the biggest pumpkins, and playing bingo or canasta in heaven. You earned your heavenly reward.

Robert will be greatly missed by his loving family, devoted wife Charlene; children: Loren (Chris) Lynch, Wayne (Lisa) Lynch, Nancy (Ricky) Schilling, Charles (Terri) Lynch, and Gina Lynch. His 9 grandchildren, Jamie (Evan) Dubach, Missy (Keaton) Hermsen, Trever (Cassie) Lynch, Ty Lynch, Charlie Lynch, Dakotah (Sammy) Schilling, Morgan (Mitchell) Pfohl, Ashden (Afton) Schilling, Forrest (Nolan) Smith. His 7 great grandchildren, Mitchel Horkheimer, Aliyah Dubach, Zoey, Nevaeh, and Abbigail Lynch, and Ford and Race Schilling. His sisters, Barbara (Dwain) Kilburg, Janaan (Don) Junk, and Lois Lynch and brother-in-law Dale (MaryJo) Zeimet. His in-laws Emily (Robert) Fisher, Patricia (Jerry) Oberhoffer, and Cindy Pancratz.

Robert is preceded in death by his 2 sons, Justin and Timothy Lynch, in infancy, his parents, his brothers, Richard and Raymond Lynch, his sisters, Arlene (Cletus) Engelken, Diane Lynch, and RoseMary Zeimet. His in laws Charles and Dorothy Pancratz,  brother in law Gary Pancratz, and son in law Joseph Sullivan.

The Lynch Family would like to thank the Luther Manor Memory Care Unit, Hospice of Dubuque, Dr Benjamin Kumor, Leonard Funeral Home, and Rev. Martin Obeng. We greatly appreciate all your kindness and care for Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.