Robert Marion Sedrel

March 19, 1930 - March 24, 2017

Robert Marion Sedrel, 87, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, March 24, 2017, at the MHP Emergency Room in Oskaloosa. He was born March 19, 1930, in Oskaloosa, the son of James Cornelius and Grace O. Force Sedrel. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1948. On February 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Sytsma in Oskaloosa. Following their marriage, Bob worked for his uncle Marion, at Sedrel Creamery in Oskaloosa for a short time. Late in 1950, Bob, his brother Bruce, and their friend Bill Veerman, ventured to Cleveland, Ohio, and took welding classes. Upon completion of the classes and earning his certificate, Bob returned to Oskaloosa and worked as a contract welder for Iowa Power. Later, Bob went to work for Iowa Power (now Mid-American Energy) full time as a welder. In 1952, Bob was diagnosed with Polio, he spent many months in the hospital in Iowa City, and completely recovered. He continued to work at Iowa Power until his retirement in the mid 1980’s. In retirement, he helped his wife Bonnie at the Sears Store in Oskaloosa. Bob and his son Tony delivered and installed appliances for the store. He was a talented craftsman, proud of the fact that he built his own home, and later helped his son Tony build his home in Oskaloosa. He was a 50 plus year member of the I.B.E.W. local 499. A tradition that his son Tony has proudly continued with his 30 plus year membership. He enjoyed golfing with Bonnie and his family, and looked forward to seeing his friends at various coffeetimes around town. Bob’s family was the center of his life, he treasured his wife Bonnie, and was proud of his son and daughter. He delighted in his grandchildren, always looking forward to spending time with them and following their activities. Bob and Bonnie have been able to remain in their home that Bob built as they have aged and their health has failed. The dedicated care and support that caregivers Shelly Lobberecht and Edie Van Maanen have provided the Sedrel family have made that possible, and the family is eternally grateful. His family includes his wife of over 67 years, Bonnie Sedrel of Oskaloosa; two children and their spouses, Tony and Kathy Sedrel of Oskaloosa and Christy and Mike Lathrop of Nashville, Tennessee; four grandsons, Jim (Vanessa) Sedrel, John Sedrel, Ben (Cara Krueger) Lathrop, and Tom Lathrop; three great grandchildren, Robert, Lena, and Hensley Sedrel; a sister in law, Mary Lou Sedrel of Oskaloosa; and many nieces nephews, cousins, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bruce Sedrel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives.