Robert Loren "Bob" Beeler Sr.

Robert Beeler ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Merle Hay Funeral Home on Mar. 6, 2026.Robert Loren Beeler Sr. (Bob), age 83, born January 10, 1943, passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack. He leaves behind a family and community who will miss him dearly.Bob was a man who could fix just about anything. A proud union electrician who later served as a foreman for the Des Moines Public Schools, he was known as a true handyman-crafty in every trade and always willing to lend a hand. If something was broken, he took pride in figuring out how to make it work again. He was also exceptional at woodworking and enjoyed spending time working with hobby trains. Helping others often meant more to him than helping himself.He met the love of his life, Sheryl Ann Bird, while working at a bank. They fell in love young and built a life centered around family, loyalty, and the simple routines they cherished-morning breakfasts and walks together whenever they could.The greatest joy in Bob's life was his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he deeply adored. He loved spending time with them, teaching them about stocks and investments, and sharing his quiet wisdom along the way.Bob proudly served in the Army National Guard and carried that same sense of duty and work ethic throughout his life.In his quieter moments, you could often find him playing solitaire on the computer or keeping an eye on the stock market with a little day trading on the side.He was known to be stubborn at times-but equally known for having one of the most generous hearts you could ever find. If he knew you, he would do just about anything to help you.Born the youngest of eight children, he carried a strong sense of family throughout his life and remained deeply connected to those he loved.He is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl Ann Beeler, his daughter, Lori Lynn (Mark) Havran and their children Savannah (Michael Haag), Macy, Jake, and Alena; and his son, Robert Loren Beeler Jr. (Christina Maravelas), and Rob's children: Levi Magee Beeler and Dane Loren Beeler.Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy, and Loren Beeler, and his seven siblings.Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation and celebration of life to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who meant so much to so many. This will be held on Sunday, March 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd in Des Moines.In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor are encouraged to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.A man who spent his life fixing things, helping others, and loving his family deeply-his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.