August 17, 1948 - April 1, 2025
Funeral service for Robert “Bob” Boleneus was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Russell Jacobsen officiating. The service was livestreamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services’ Facebook Page. Burial was in Buffalo Township Cemetery in rural Titonka. Visitation was from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 6, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona and continued one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Robert Jean Boleneus, son of Robert and Lottie Jeane (Ericson) Boleneus, was born Aug. 17, 1948, in Mason City. Bob was raised in Wesley where he spent his early years before attending school in Titonka, graduating in 1966. Throughout high school and beyond, Bob worked for Bob Becker Construction, which laid the foundation for his lifelong work ethic. He then attended NIACC from 1966 to 1969.
In 1969, Bob joined the United States Navy where he proudly served for six years and one day. He was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise, where he ran the engine room and earned the role of the “big dog in charge.” Bob was a Petty Officer Third Class and was deeply proud of his service to his country.
After his military service, Bob worked for the power plant in Mason City until its closure. He then took on various jobs, including positions at Datsun Nissan, before moving to the farm in Wesley. Bob began a long career at Hormel, where he worked for 22 and a half years, retiring in 2013. Even after retirement Bob stayed active, working part-time for Pioneer Research, sorting and bagging corn.
On May 19, 1978, he was united in marriage to Nita Coon at the Clear Lake Police Department. He and his wife were foster parents for 15 years, welcoming 65 children into their home and they adopted four children. They also had a special place in their hearts for the young people they mentored as active youth leaders.
Bob was a passionate man with many interests. He loved fishing, NASCAR and gardening. His heart, however, was most devoted to his family. He played Santa Claus for 27 years, bringing joy to families year after year. Above all, Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend their activities. He was also a lifelong fan of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly Bob Seger, and was a proud member of the Seely-Walsh Post #425 in Whittemore.
Bob died Tuesday, April 1 at Mercy Hospital in Waterloo. He was 76.
He is survived by his wife, Nita J.; children, Tami J. Hove, Dawn J. Boleneus, Beth J. Boleneus and Royce (Crisanta) Boleneus; grandchildren, Kyler Hove, Serena Hove, Evan Allie, Lillian Allie, Teagan Kunkel, Shadow Lynch, Emmett Boleneus, Aisslyn Boleneus, Dravin Lynch and Arsenya Lynch; siblings-in-law, Neil (Maria) Coon, Beth (Dennis) Chandler, Lila (Andy) Kohls, Todd (DeAnn) Coon and Liz Coon; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Robert and L. Jeane Boleneus, parents-in-law, Bert ‘B.L.’ and Margie Coon; son, Dayton J. Boleneus on Oct. 3, 2010.
Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com