Robert (Bob/RW) William Balk, 66, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, surrounded by family. Bob was born to Arthur (Art) and Mary Balk on January 2, 1958.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a service to be at 1:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will follow – details to be provided at the visitation.

Bob is survived by his loving (and eternally patient) wife of 44 years Alice; his daughter Stacy and her spouse Mike and their child Wren; his son Adam and his spouse Erin and their child Bennett; his siblings John (Barb), Debbie (Wendell), and Jim (Marie); and his hunting brothers Mike, Richie, and Donny. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenny, brother-in-law Jay, father-in-law Herbert, sister-in-law Suzie, and his hunting family Pepper, Lowell, and Pluemer.

Bob was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. He told everyone that would listen, insisting he never said it enough. Bob was a long-time employee of Frommelt Industries/Rite-Hite. Bob had an immense sense of humor, a childlike enjoyment of the silly, and loved playing pranks. One such was on his beloved friend and co-worker Dan Pluemer. Bob thought it’d be hilarious if he imprinted Dan’s face on a box full of fly swatters and distribute them to everyone in the plant. He knew the right knob to turn to get the laugh.

In his younger years, Bob truly enjoyed the classic Dubuque sports: softball and bowling. He loved playing softball (and the associated “team building” activities) so much, he nearly missed the birth of his son (still made it). Bob was often highlighted in the TH for hitting dingers for the Whiskey River. Bob bowled his first 300 at Riverside Lanes and at least 5 more perfect games at home on the Wii.

Bob loved everything hunting and outdoors. He always included his children and nephews. His favorite stories revolved around Turkey and Deer hunting, spending time up at the “camper”, hammering walleyes every night after work, and road hunting with the boys. He was known for his ability to pray good hunts into fruition for his hunting family. He once attempted to share his zeal for hunting with his wife. It resulted in her dragging a fox through the woods for over 5 miles. She enjoyed it so much that it took 35 years to go hunting with him again. Bob’s appreciation for hunting and nature extended to attending all possible wildlife banquets within a 200-mile radius. He deeply enjoyed winning raffles for new hunting equipment and (much to the dismay of his wife) oodles of wildlife paintings.

Bob loved all and pestered many. He was able to make friends anywhere, at any time. He treated his children’s friends as his own and aptly earned the nickname Unka Bob. RW found immense pleasure in storytelling and was known for doing things for the story – especially if it involved a picture. Bob loved a deal – he was a master negotiator. He rarely made a purchase without asking if there was room to negotiate. He had returned and replaced his BluBlockers regularly since 1986 – “they have a lifetime warranty!”

RW held and uncanny ability to recall mass quantities of rarely useful information. His two favorite topics were music and movies. He would randomly receive calls from his friends trying to win radio contests asking “who sang X?” or “who was that actor in Y?” Bob loved it! These calls gave him both and opportunity to shine and an occasion to share a story.

Bob loved deeply and wholly, gave laughs and time generously, and will be truly missed. He was proud of his children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Robert W. Balk memorial fund.

The family extends their deep appreciation to Julie and Courtini from Hospice of Dubuque for their incredible support and care during Bob’s final days.