ROCKFORD – Robert “Bob” David Jones, 79, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at the Nora Springs Care Center after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his immediate family.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City. Visitation will continue one hour before the funeral service, which will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Rockford, with Pastor Chan Kim officiating. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene.
Bob was born October 3, 1946, in Mason City, to William “Bill” Earl Jones and Letha Caruth Jones. He spent part of his childhood in Nora Springs before his family moved to Rockford in 1956, when his father took over the Rockford Locker.
That move helped shape a lifelong connection to Rockford, the town and school Bob proudly called home. He attended Rockford schools from fifth grade through graduation in 1965, building memories that stayed with him throughout his life.
As a young man, Bob was active, competitive and full of energy. He was a four-sport athlete for the Warriors, playing football, basketball and baseball while also running track. He once held the school record in the 100-yard dash and was named Homecoming King in 1964.
After high school, Bob attended Mankato State University, where he studied physical education and played football. Sports, competition and the lessons of athletics remained part of his personality, and his family remembered the sayings and encouragement he passed along to his children.
Bob met Diane Kay Stauffer in Mason City in 1974. The two married on February 22, 1975, and built a life together rooted in family, work and the Rockford community.
In 1976, Bob and Diane bought the Rockford Locker from his father. Bob owned and managed the business for more than three decades, operating it until 2007. The couple also opened the Pizza Corral in Rockford, running it from 1991 to 1998.
Even after his main working years, Bob stayed active. In retirement, he enjoyed long trips delivering chickens for Hoover’s Hatchery in Rudd.
Bob also served his community. He was a member of the Lions Club and served six years on the Rockford City Council. He enjoyed helping with Lions Club events, including the pancake breakfast, fish fry and steak supper.
Family was central to Bob’s life. He and Diane raised three children, Jacqueline, Matthew and Jeffrey. Bob loved attending his children’s events in high school and college, sharing Jackie’s love of horses and following Matt and Jeff’s football careers.
He also enjoyed traveling with family, including trips to Puerto Vallarta, Florida, Colorado, Canada, Clear Lake and North Star Lake in Minnesota. Bob loved Elvis music, and an annual trip to Breezy Point, Minnesota, to watch Elvis impersonator Chris Olson perform became a special tradition.
Family members remembered Bob as someone whose eyes lit up when he was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He and Diane traveled to spend time with family and supported their children and grandchildren with steady love.
Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Bob tried not to let the illness define him. His family said he continued living day by day with his familiar attitude and sense of perspective. Diane cared for him at home as long as she could before he moved to the Nora Springs Care Center on April 6. His family expressed gratitude for the care he received there and from St. Croix Hospice.
Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane Kay Jones; his children, Jackie and Jon, Matthew and Angela, and Jeff and Rachael; his brother, Dennis and Lynnette; and eight grandchildren, Ella, Ava, Joseph, Isabelle, Madelyn, Faith, Ian and Colt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Letha Jones; his father-in-law, Lyle Stauffer; and his mother-in-law, Gladys Stauffer.
Memorials may be mailed to Diane Jones at 1329 Red Ball Road in Rockford, Iowa. The family plans to dedicate memorials to local community projects in Bob’s memory.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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