Robert Louis Ellsworth, 84, of Durant, Iowa, died Sunday, June 20, 2021 at his home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 26 at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. Burial will take place in Durant Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 25 at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant.
A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Bob was born in rural Scott County on June 11, 1937, the son of Charles and Mary (Hannah) Ellsworth. Bob married the love of his life, Shirley Tague, on July 7, 1956 in LeClaire, Iowa. Shirley died on Dec. 14, 2002.
In 1969, Bob and his partner Denny Puck established B&D Automotive and B&D Excavating, and operated for more than 30 years. He collected antique gas-powered hit-and-miss engines and tractors. Bob would attend engine shows locally and throughout the United States. He enjoyed working on gas engines, a passion that he shared with his grandson, Zachary, and Denny Puck. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and snowmobiling. Most of all, Bob loved spending time with his family and friends.
Bob will be dearly missed by his daughter, Lynn Saylor of Bennett; three sons, Harvey Ellsworth of Blue Grass, Dale (Jill) Ellsworth of Walcott and Tim Ellsworth of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren, Zachary, Megan, Gracie, Jaxson, Jacob, Garrett and Cooper; three great-grandchildren, Lane, Lucas and Lakin; one brother, William (Shirley) Ellsworth of Durant; and one sister-in-law, Jean Ellsworth of Durant.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; one grandson, Gregory Oetzel; one sister, Sandy Dick; one brother, Richard Ellsworth; three half-sisters, Lois Ritter, Betty Dirksen and Lois Riexinger; and one half-brother, Jim Ellsworth.
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