Robert “Bob” Adolph Pecka

Bob grew up in Lawton, ND. He graduated from high school early, earned a Servicing Electrical Appliances diploma from the National Radio Institute, and earned an Electrical Trade/Technology degree from North Dakota State School of Science.

He began his successful career with the Argonne National Laboratory at the Argonne-West remote facility in Idaho, which is where he met the love of his life, Bonnie A. Stevens. Bob and Bonnie married in Ammon, ID, in 1964 and celebrated 62 years together.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Fort Dodge, IA, to start an electronics business. Best known as Sound World, the original building on 5th Avenue South/Highway 20 still houses multiple businesses today. In addition to Sound World, the couple also owned Century RV Center for many years.

In the 1990s, Bob and Bonnie transitioned to real estate ownership, and eventually purchased and managed numerous apartment buildings and houses throughout town. Bob always said he wanted to work until the end, and he remained true to his word.

During his career, Bob earned his Private Pilot License and later achieved an Instrument Rating. He logged many flight hours for business purposes and family vacations. One of his favorite destinations was Steamboat Springs, CO. He and Bonnie loved spending time in the mountains and snow skiing, which is a love they passed to their children and grandchildren. In addition to snow skiing, Bob enjoyed camping, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, listening to Buddy Holly and Elvis, and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes (even when his daughter and grandchildren decided to go to Iowa State).

Bob is survived by his wife Bonnie, his son Steve Pecka (Kathy) and daughter Lisa Pecka Dwight, his grandchildren Nick Pecka (Ciarra), Emily Clow (Tanner) and Josh Dwight, his great-grandchild Nash Pecka, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brothers.

Before Bob passed, his family had the blessing of telling him what he meant to them. We hope these words offer a glimpse of the man we knew and loved.

From his wife: You are the love of my life, my partner in everything, so caring, such a hard worker and always thinking of everyone else. I love you and will miss you dearly.

From his children: You are big-hearted and full of love. You were always there when we needed advice and set such a good example for us to follow. You are smart, successful, hard-working and fun – full of ideas and always positive. You are our hero, and we love you.

From his grandchildren: You are loving, thoughtful, brave and wise. You are a hard worker, a good listener, and can fix almost anything. You always seemed able to handle anything that was asked of you. We love you.

We encourage everyone to tell their loved ones how they feel about them today. Don’t wait.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gunderson Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Wednesday, July 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Lunch at the church will be provided, and the burial will follow at North Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to UnityPoint Health/Trinity Regional Medical Center or McFarland Clinic for the care they provided to Bob.