Robert "Bob" W. Brown

Robert “Bob” Brown, 76, of Elkhart, Indiana, formerly of Marshalltown, passed away unexpectedly from a massive heart attack on November 29, 2021.

Bob is survived by his wife Becky (Bechtel) Brown of Elkhart, IN; daughter Libby (Tom Deimerly) Brown of Marshalltown, IA; son Jason Brown of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter Jessica (Ryan) Hellman of Wasilla, Alaska; sister Bonnie (Vernon) Peterson, father in law Hal Bechtel, brother in law Bob (Lori) Bechtel; brother in law Bill (Jodi) Bechtel. Grandchildren Jackson and Kinsley Bowie and Macayla, Lydia and Jeremiah Hellman. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret (Brown) Hulst, Marian (Brown) Frazier, Janet (Brown) Sellick, and brother James Brown.

Bob was born to Levi and Bernice (Bird) Brown on May 9, 1945 in Mason City Iowa. Of his six siblings, Bob was the only one to be born in the hospital. Bob graduated from Mason City Highschool and college from Mankato State. Following graduation he volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam.

Bob was the director of many YMCA’s over the years. Bob believed fully in the core values of the YMCA and made a final move to Elkhart Indiana to be a director at the YMCA there. This is also where he met Becky. The two were united in marriage on January 2, 1999.

Bob and Becky built their home and faith in Elkhart. Bob “retired” from the YMCA at the age of 60, but continued his love of financial advising and business consulting for others. Bob helped deliver Meals on Wheels and was active in his church and a member of Bible Study Fellowship for 16 years. Bob’s life centered around the Lord, his wife and his family. He was a proud father and grandfather.  His favorite Bible verse is shared: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, cremation was chosen. Visitation will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from noon to 1 p.m. with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tony Tice officiating. Bob will be later laid to rest at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, IA.

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