Robert R. “Bob” Barker, 80, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bob was born on February 14, 1946, in Clinton, Iowa, to Robert F. and Glatha (Hute) Barker. He was a 1964 graduate of Maquoketa High School and later attended barber college in Cedar Rapids, where he graduated in 1966. On September 14, 1969, he married Dianne Marie Hayward in Maquoketa, Iowa, and together they were blessed with two children, Krista and Kevin. Although Bob and Dianne later divorced, they remained close friends and shared a lasting bond through their family.

Bob spent many years serving others through his work. He first worked at Ryan’s Barber Shop in Maquoketa for several years, where he became known for his friendly manner and dependable service. He later worked at Caterpillar in Mt. Joy and then as an insurance agent for Prudential until his retirement. Even after retiring, he continued to stay active by working for a time at Plastics Unlimited in Preston.

Bob was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and found joy in the things he loved most. He was a former member of the American Trapshooting Association and the Maquoketa Optimist Club. He enjoyed watching baseball and was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs. He also liked stock car racing, hunting, fishing, and trapshooting. Music was another important part of his life, and he especially enjoyed playing the guitar with the Country Tradition band. He also liked digging ginseng and faithfully cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Krista (Todd) Mulder of Shell Rock, Iowa, and Kevin (Kiri) Barker of Maquoketa, Iowa; three grandchildren, Alana (Todd Acton) Barker, Lucas Mulder, and Averi Barker; his former wife, Dianne Barker of Maquoketa, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Billy Garien, Robert Hayward, Russ Hayward, and Sam Dobson; sisters-in-law, Sandra Hayward, Sue Corlis, and Susan Hayward; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Karen Garien; sisters-in-law, Arlis Krabbenhoft, Judy Reed, and Lorraine Dobson; and brothers-in-law, George Hayward, Tom Hayward, Donnie Krabbenhoft, and Gordon Reed. His memory will continue to live on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched over the years.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Bob’s life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Casual attired is requested.  Cremation will follow the gathering and a private family burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to especially thank the Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation Center staff and the Care Initiative Hospice staff for the excellent care given to Bob and his family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Robert R. “Bob” Barker memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.