Robert Widmar

Robert Anthony Widmar, 81, of Ottumwa, died at 2:27 p.m. March 10, 2024 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

He was born March 6, 1943 in Ottumwa to Tony V. and Hazelle Deburn Widmar. Robert married Paula Snook on October 14, 1961 and she preceded him in death on April 11, 1977. He married Rose Rupe on August 12, 1978.

A 1961 graduate of Cardinal High School, he had worked at John Morrell & Co. and was a hay farmer, trucking hay across the Midwest. Robert owned and operated Parker Tree Service for 21 years, retiring in 2011.

He was a member of the Boot Scooters Club. Robert enjoyed stock car racing, drag car racing, bowling and going to casinos. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Surviving is his wife, Rose; children, Jackie (Dane) Des Combaz of Ottumwa, Elton (Polly) Rupe of Calabash, NC, Mark Widmar of Ottumwa, Lori Fiscella of Ottumwa, Debbie (Brett) Mitchell of Ottumwa, Twila (Ryan) Brafford of Ames, Becky Smith of Milton, Eric (Candi) Rupe of Ottumwa, and Linette Paulos of Ottumwa; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Doud of Boca Raton, FL and a nephew, Dustin Doud of Miami, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Jason Nicalaro and daughter-in-law, Tammy Widmar.

Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, March 14th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Griffith officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family.