October 14, 1930 – February 18, 2026
Robert L. Bales, 95, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1930, in Huron, South Dakota.
Robert, “Bob,” was preceded in death by his parents, Ira (Ike) and Gladyce Bales; his birthmother, Alice Doris Remington Bales; his brother, Ken Bales and nephews Brad and Eric Bales. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Karen Caspersen Bales, whom he married on June 9, 1957. He is also survived by his children: Lisa and J.B. Masters; Todd and Raquel Bales; Troy and Julie Bales; and Trent Bales.
He was a proud grandfather to Anissa and Peter Kossakowski, great-grandchildren Harrison and Margaux; Kirsten Masters, great-grandchild Kai; Jeffrey and Natalie Bales, great-grandchild Jameson and one more on the way; Jonathan and Brooke Bales; nephew Ryan Bales, and God daughter, Kim Gutterman.
Robert was born and raised in Huron, South Dakota, and later spent part of his youth in Hollywood, California, where he attended Hollywood High School and sang in the prestigious Hollywood Presbyterian Church Choir. He graduated from Huron High School in South Dakota, earned his associate’s degree from Mason City Junior College, and continued his studies at Luther College.
A proud veteran, Robert served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954, including 18 months stationed in Alaska and 18 months in Germany.
Bob built a long and respected career in advertising sales with the Mason City Globe Gazette and later served as Publisher and Editor of the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter. He was deeply involved in his community, an active Rotarian, a lifetime member of the Clear Lake V.F.W., and served both as Vice President and President of Zion Lutheran Church.
He treasured simple pleasures: coffee with friends, the changing seasons of Iowa, and the views over the lake and surrounding pastures. He and Karen loved ballroom dancing at the Surf Ballroom and had a special fondness for Snoopy and “Big Duke,” John Wayne. After retirement, he and Karen enjoyed traveling, wintering in Arizona, and visiting their children in Florida and Texas.
Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He took deep interest in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering steady support, curiosity, and love. His legacy of devotion, service, and warmth will live on in all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A private Chapel Service will be held in Arizona on March 1, 2026 at Hansen’s Desert Hills Mortuary at 2:30 p.m.
The family will host a Celebration of Life with coffee and donuts in his honor at the V.F.W. Post 4868 in Clear Lake, Iowa on June 5, 2026 from 8:00-10:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to V.F.W. Post 4868 Clear Lake, IA 50428 in his honor.
A private family service will be held at a later date at the Clear Lake Cemetery, facilitated by Zion Lutheran Church.
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