Robert Bargman
Robert William Bargman was born on May 21, 1931. He left his life on earth May 19th, 2024 (two days before his 93rd birthday). Bob grew up on a farm in Rodman, Iowa. He attended school there and graduated from Rodman High School. Bob then graduated from Buena Vista University in education. The Rodman/West Bend area was where he met Donna Balgeman, whom he married and loved for 72 years 11 months and 20 days.
When Bob entered the service he and Donna moved to Washington D.C., where Bob worked for the Surgeon General’s Office. After completing his service, they moved to Akron, Iowa where he began his teaching career. Bob taught in the English department, taught debate, and produced school plays. He earned his Master of Administration degree from the University of South Dakota and later served as principal in Akron. Their next move was to West Des Moines where Bob was hired as a drama teacher at Valley High School. He enjoyed working with student performers and was proud to produce the first musical at that school. Bob again taught and produced high school plays when they moved to Northern California. During his ten years in California, he transitioned from teacher to administrator, taking doctorate work at Stanford University. His next 15 years as principal of Fort Dodge Senior High School provided endless stories of students and staff that he cherished until his last days. Bob had an uncanny memory for people and places. Bob loved being with people and he most likely found a way in which he was related to you or at the very least, knew someone from the same town. He thrived on having company, setting a nice table, cooking…and eating, playing the piano, and going to high school events to support the students and staff. Bob was an active member at First United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed teaching confirmation classes. After retirement, Bob and Donna eventually moved to Arizona. Bob kept busy being head of concierge with the San Francisco Giants Spring Training as well as working at the ceramics department at Arizona State giving lectured tours. These involvements gave him new friendships to include with his blessed life of endless relationships that he held so dear and most important. He loved getting together with his family. Bob felt a closeness to most people he’d meet. He loved any appointment he had to go to and looked forward to seeing the receptionists, nurses and doctors. Most recently he cherished his many friends and staff at Friendship Haven.
Most dear to his heart is his surviving wife, Donna. He is also survived by his son Robb Bargman, Des Moines; and his daughter Beth Schnurr (Jerry), Fort Dodge. Grandchildren, Will Schnurr (Erin Leigh), Ellen Wallingford (Tyler), and Ben Schnurr (Lauren), and great grandchildren-Elsie Wallingford, Kennedy Schnurr, Theo Wallingford and Wesley Schnurr. Bob has one surviving sibling, Karen Berkland. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James Bargman.
Visitation will be at Friendship Haven Celebration Center on Friday, May 24th from 12:30-1:45 pm and a Memorial Service at 2:00. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Memorials may be directed to the Fort Dodge Senior High School music and drama departments. Go Dodgers!