Robert “Bob” E. Baarda, 85, of Newton died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Newton Health Care Center. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials to the Great Commission Fund at the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton may be left at the funeral home.
Bob, the son of Joe and Nola (Elscott) Baarda, was born Nov. 23, 1932, in Newton. He grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. June 13, 1953, Bob was united in marriage with Donna Van Der Zyl in Pasa Robles, CA, where Bob was stationed. They later returned to Newton to make their home. Bob was the pressman at the Newton Daily News for 45 years, retiring on Oct. 21, 1996. He was a member and long-time board member of Community Heights Alliance Church. Bob enjoyed his extensive model train set that he had in his basement for many years. He and Donna also loved to listen to gospel music.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Diane (Kelvin) Vander Weerdt of Sully; grandchildren, Darci (Josh) Keller of Toledo and Grace (Matthew) Smalley of Sully; and his great-grandson, Lane Kitzmann of Sully.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna on Feb. 26, 2018; and daughter, Darla, on July 1, 2018.
