Robert “Bob” J. Cosens, 90, of Spirit Lake, died Monday, July 13, 2026, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
Bob was born May 27, 1936, in Carroll to Glen and Dale Cosens. His family lived in the rural Jefferson area before moving into the community when he was a child.
Music became an important part of Bob’s life at an early age. He participated in band and vocal music and later studied church music for two years at Drake University in Des Moines.
After returning to Jefferson, Bob worked at a Safeway grocery store and met Jean Leith, a first-grade teacher. The couple married March 8, 1959, and shared more than 67 years together.
Just days after their wedding, Bob reported for duty with the United States Army. He served for two years as a headquarters supply clerk in San Francisco, supporting eight missile bases in the region.
Bob later attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and studied business administration. He worked as director of purchasing for Waterloo Public Schools for four years.
Bob and Jean moved to Spirit Lake in the fall of 1972, beginning a chapter that would connect him closely to the Iowa Great Lakes community for more than five decades.
He worked as purchasing and inventory manager for Consumers and Citation Homes for 35 years. After Citation Homes closed in 2007, Bob helped Jean at God’s Family Bookstore and later managed Thee Garage Sale, Renew Building Projects and Twetten’s Warehouse. He also worked as a Walmart greeter.
According to his obituary, Bob devoted considerable time to public and community service. He served eight years on the Spirit Lake City Council and held board positions with the Cherish Center and the Okoboji Bible Conference.
His Christian faith remained central throughout his life. Bob served as an elder at Spirit Life Fellowship and participated in missionary trips to Mexico, China and Peru.
Bob also continued sharing his love of music throughout the region.
He began singing solos at church services, weddings and funerals when he was 16. He later performed for nine years with a double quartet known as “The Joyful Noise,” sang barbershop music and participated in productions of “Messiah” and the Many Voices Choir.
Bob and Jean also opened their home to children in need, serving as foster parents to approximately 20 children during a 12-year period.
Away from work and community responsibilities, Bob enjoyed gardening, bicycling, golfing and spending time outdoors.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jean; children Kim, Julie, Michele, Michael and Reco; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Russell; his sister-in-law, Marilyn; nieces Maralie and Melody; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Mark Cosens; sister-in-law, Judy Cosens; and brother-in-law, Mike Leith.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home, 1302 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake.
A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Spirit Life Fellowship Church, 2504 Enterprise Avenue in Spirit Lake.
Inurnment will take place at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.
Turner Jenness Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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