May 21, 1940 – July 12, 2025
Robert Eliasen, 85, of Greene, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Sheffield Care Center, with his wife, Lois, by his side. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene. Visitation will be 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at the church.
Robert Harry Eliasen was born May 21, 1940, in rural Greene, a son of Harry and Fern (Hooker) Eliasen. He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Greene and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He attended country school through the 8th grade then needed to work the family farm as his dad was in poor health.
Robert served in the National Guard, trained at Ft. Polk, LA, and was involved with the responses at the Charles City tornado and the Waterloo riots. Before he began farming on his own, Robert worked for the Greene Co-Op, Begulins, Greene Creamery and John Deere. He enjoyed farming with the family and teaching the kids many life lessons.
On September 8, 1963, Robert was united in marriage with Lois Dorothy Smith at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. They lived on the family farm for 60 years and raised four children.
Robert loved family gatherings, especially picnics. Camping with the family, winter trips to Texas, music and balloon festivals were times he enjoyed. He really loved to work on machinery, tinkering in the shed and being outside, mowing, gardening and keeping the sheds organized. He enjoyed watching birds and wildlife, even those pesky deer. He was also known for helping family, neighbors, friends and even strangers. Robert was also a long-time member of the Powersville Fox Hunters.
Those left with loving memories include his wife: Lois: children: Rodney Eliasen, Greene; Cheryl (Darren) Rogers, Greene; Carla (Kenny) Berding, Sheffield; Carrie (Ramey) Tobias, Greene; grandchildren: Joshua Rogers; Justin (Nicole) Rogers; Alexander (Maci) Berding; Seth Berding; great grandchildren: Oliver, Greyson, Harrison Rogers and Kolbi Berding; nieces, nephews and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Marlene (Ed) Rust, Irene (Andy) Etzen, Howard (Lois J.) Eliasen, father-in-law and mother-in-law Clifford and Lillie Smith, five sisters-in-law and their husbands.
Robert didn’t often say, “Goodbye,” but instead said, “Take it easy.”
Memorials and cards may be addressed to Lois Eliasen, 505 E. Gilman St., Apt. 101, Sheffield, IA 50475
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