Pastor Robert (Bob) Lawrence Boudewyns, 80, passed away peacefully October 17, 2020 at Kavanaugh Hospice House. He was born on June 10, 1940 and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.
After graduating from Dowling High School in 1958 Bob joined New Mellary Abbey Monastery in Dubuque, Iowa in pursuit of becoming a Trappist Monk. He left the Monastery in 1965 and married his high school sweetheart Janice (Jan) Carole Blount. After graduating from Iowa State University and Wartburg Theological Seminary Bob was ordained as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor in 1984. Bob accepted his first call to serve as Pastor for Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Martensdale that same year. He later served multiple congregations in Central and Eastern Iowa for a total of 30 years.
Bob had a deep faith in God and trusted him always. He shared this faith with others whenever he was able to. Bob loved his family. He was proud to be the father of Michael, Christopher, and Carole and he looked forward to time spent in person or on facetime with their families where he could share his love and humor with all of them. Bob traveled with Jan to see his sons on the east coast and enjoyed the many hours with her in the car as she drove, and he read his books. You could always find Bob taking time to listen and talk with anyone who would ask, and his gentle honesty would leave them feeling heard and understood. He enjoyed reading and could always be found with a book nearby. Many times, you would find Bob walking and reading or in his rocking chair with his blanket meditating. Bob enjoyed cooking for the family and coming up with new recipes. He could entertain with his magician skills.
Bob is survived by his children Michael Boudewyns (Sara Valentine) of Gorham, ME. Christopher Boudewyns (Carl Byrd) of Maplewood, NJ. Carole Hamill (Blaine Hamill) of West Des Moines, IA. Six grandchildren: Alyson Kilts (David Kilts), Amanda Schneider (Logan Schneider), Henry Richmond-Boudewyns, Anna Hamill, Emma Richmond-Boudewyns, and Harper Byrd. Five Great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Oliver, Aria, Levi, and Holden. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Janice Carole (Blount) Boudewyns.
His calming spirit and wit will be missed by all.
Bob’s Celebration of Life will be streamed live at 3pm on Tuesday, October 20th.
Go here: https://player.vimeo.com/video/469542256"
Contributions can be made to Kavanaugh Hospice House Foundation in Des Moines.
