Robert “Bob” William Burkle

March 29, 1946 – June 16, 2025

Robert “Bob” William Burkle, of West Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025 at the age of 79. Born on March 29, 1946, and raised in Wilton, Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa from 1964 to 1968, where he met his future wife, Kathryn (Kathy) A. Burkle. They were married on June 2, 1969 in Iowa City, and together raised two sons, Chip and John. Bob served in the U.S. Army Reserves beginning in 1968 and received an honorable discharge in October 1974.

After college in 1968, Bob joined his father, John F. Burkle, at Wilton Milk Products, a family-run cheese factory. When the cheese factory closed in 1979, Bob’s journey took him across the Midwest—to West Des Moines, Michigan, and Indiana—pursuing various career paths, including food service, more cheesemaking, and even a stint as a restaurateur. In the late 1980s, he returned to the family farm near West Liberty, Iowa, where he began a second career in agriculture that spanned more than two decades.

Known for doing things in his own time (Bob Time) and on his own terms, Bob approached life with a quiet determination. Whether making cheese, selling food service products, running a restaurant, or tending the land, he embraced the adventure of each chapter. He especially cherished his time outdoors and was an avid fisherman. In 2001, he established a beloved family retreat on Leech Lake in Minnesota—a place of peace, laughter, and lasting memories that continues to bring joy to his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Marie A. Burkle, and his grandson, Henri S. Burkle. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Kathryn A. Burkle; his sons, Chip (Kristy) and John (Kaela) Burkle; and his grandchildren, Sam, Sawyer, Maisie, and Nora.

A celebration of life will be held in July. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice, c/o Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, PO Box 46, West Liberty, Iowa 52776