In Loving Memory
Robert "Bob" J. Valley
March 1, 1938 - August 23, 2023

VISITATION
Monday, August 28, 2023
11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Monday, August 28, 2023
1:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Susan Julifs

INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa

Robert "Bob" John Valley, son of Milan and Alma (Moellerman) Valley, was born March 1, 1938, in Mederville, Iowa. Bob moved with his parents to Plymouth, Iowa in the fall of 1938. Bob's father and mother operated the pioneer café and later, Valley Grocery Store. Bob had an adventurous childhood. He grew up helping in the business, hunting, fishing, swimming in the beaver creek in Shell Rock River, and ice skating in the winter in his small town.

Bob was very young when he decided he wanted to fly an airplane and become a pilot. Because of his love of flying, "Pilot Valley" was a nickname given to him. He was encouraged by his father, but the same could not be said for his mother. Alma said she wanted to keep her feet on the ground, so Bob got a bucket of dirt so she could take the bucket with her when flying so she could keep her feet on the ground.

When Bob was young, his father bought a small plot of land. Bob belonged to the Future Farmers of America program in high school. Bob raised pigs and sheep. With the money he earned by selling the livestock, he paid for his flying lessons from Lester Spotts. Bob earned his pilot's license before he was even eligible to get his automobile license. Quite an accomplishment for a young lad in the early 1950's.

Bob would give an airplane ride to some of the older folks from Plymouth who would have never been in or around an airplane. He took them up to see what Plymouth looked like from the air. They all appreciated their ride. Bob graduated from Plymouth High School in 1956. Then he found employment in Mason City, Iowa. He also found this hot 1951 Mercury Car which was his pride and joy at the time.

On June 21, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Marlene Schlinz in Battle Creek, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with three children.
Bob was trained as a dental technician. He was sent to the Sioux City office for employment where he and his family stayed for 24 years. He then moved to West Union, Iowa, where he was a part of Gideon's International and also sold pressure washers for over 30 years.

He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, fly fishing, golfing, or flying a plane or helicopter. He also enjoyed woodworking, his pets, and spending time with his family.

Bob passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at his residence in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dean Valley.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; children, Deborah (Mark) Small of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Gayle (Jeff) Becker of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Steven Valley of Lone Rock, Iowa; four grandchildren, Kayla, Jake, Ryan, and Kyle; sister, Velma Barnes; along with many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.