Robert “Bob” Deane Wiley, 82, of 1502 Ninth Street S.W., Mason City, died Monday, July 23, 2012, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.
Condolences may be shared with the family at Fullertonfh.com. Visitation is at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd Street S.E., Mason City, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. July 25th. Following the visitation, Bob will be cremated.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 26th at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, Mason City with Pastor Sean McRoberts officiating.
Robert was born on July 3, 1930 to Everett Clare and Ruth (Todd) Wiley in Indianola, Iowa. His childhood was in rural Warren County. Graduating in 1948 from Indianola High School, he later continued his education and was awarded a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Simpson College in 1952 and a Master of Education degree from Indiana University in 1958.
He was united in marriage on July 24, 1955 with Evelyn Blakely at the Harlan (United) Methodist Church. This began a life journey together of 57 years. Bob and Evelyn were richly blessed with the adoption in infancy of two children, Steven (1961) and Carolyn (1963).
Bob began his teaching career in Rockwell City, Iowa. He served in the United States Army stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas from 1953 to 1955. He continued teaching in Oelwein (1959-1970) and in Mason City’s John Adams (1970-1987). In his career, he experienced teaching of all grades. His teaching methods encompassed a solid music foundation, creativity and skills, such as transposing of selections for the changing voice. Motivation for students included small group and musical show performances.
A lifelong church member, Bob offered musical talent as possible as a choir member, accompanist, and director of children’s choir.
Bob’s talent in production gave Oelwein outdoor theater: South Pacific in 1962 and Annie Get Your Gun in 1963. These are part of that community’s continuing legacy in the arts.
Retirement from teaching allowed Bob a second career in travel when he delivered RVs throughout the continental United States, including deliveries to Alaska. He loved the open road, driving, flights and adventure. Travel destinations, including Hawaii, were expanded by Carolyn’s and Steve’s living there.
Courageous recoveries from cancers, surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy beginning in 1987 permitted Bob to achieve his heart’s goal on spending almost 12 years with his grandchild and namesake, Robert (Rob) James Wiley.
If you would wish, memorial contributions in Bob’s name will be given by his family to Autism Cares.
Bob’s life was filled with a quiet faith, music, love and loyalty for family, a desire for adventure and excitement, Midwestern depression-era work ethic and honesty.
Adversities in health took their toll and his last years have been spent at home. His determination and stoicism shone through in his desire for independence that continued until he was given rest in the mysteries of eternal life. We thank Hospice for their care in guiding us through this time.
Bob is survived his wife Evelyn, daughter Carolyn Wiley of Mason City; his son Steven, grandson Rob Wiley, and their friend Linda Olson of Mason City; cousins Charlotte (Frank) Wilson, Carlisle, Iowa; Marvin (Barb) Berry, Des Moines, Iowa; sister and brother-law Princetta (Blakely) and Eldon Reutter, Ft. Collins, Colorado; nephews Harold (Verna) Reutter, Diane Reutter Bell, Don (Connie) Reutter, Barbara Blakely, William Paul (Denise) Blakely, Jr. and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wilson and nephew David Wiley, aunts, uncles and cousins.
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