Robert Harpenau , 85, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Monday, February 1, 2021 at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church in Le Mars.  Reverend Bruce Lawler will celebrate Mass.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars.  Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church.  There will be a Parish Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church.  Social distancing and wearing a mask will be required.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Services will be uploaded to the Rexwinkel Funeral Home website following services.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Robert Henry Harpenau was born July 21, 1935 on the family farm near Le Mars, Iowa, the son of John and Philomena (Langel) Harpenau.  He attended school at Remsen St. Mary's in Remsen, IA and graduated in 1953.  While attending high school, he also served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

He was united in marriage to Jeanette Mary Poeckes on October 8, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen.  Robert and Jeanette farmed for several years outside of Remsen. Later on he sold feed for Moorman's Feed for 5 years, sold Catholic Order of Foresters life insurance as well as selling real estate for over 20 years. Bob won several awards while with Catholic Order of Foresters as top salesman and as well traveling all over the United States. He sold for Athens Real Estate later going independent for himself as Harpenau Realty.  While still selling real estate he also drove school bus and was a janitor for Le Mars Community School till his retirement at the age of 75. His loving wife, Jeanette passed away on September 10, 2003.

He was a member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Le Mars.  He enjoyed fishing, traveling to see his family, and playing cards. He especially loved to play poker with his grandchildren.  He also liked to work in his garage tinkering with woodworking projects. One of his favorite things to make was large wall clocks.  He took much pride in keeping his lawn nice and tidy to always have the best lawn in town. Bob loved his family and loved to spend time with them as well as keeping them on their toes.

Survivors include his children: Connie (Mark) Seible of Brunsville, IA, Jack (Donna) Harpenau of Waterloo, IN, Doug (Judy) Harpenau of La Crescent, MN, Laurie Lint of Kyle, TX, Julie (Mike) Pottebaum of Alton, IA, Frank (Heather) Harpenau of La Crosse, WI, and Rodney (Michelle) Harpenau of Smithville, MO; 21 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Vernell Chapman, Ray (Shirley) Harpenau, Margie (Rich) Frericks, Tom (Sharon) Harpenau, Paul Galles, Art Poeckes, Dennis (Kathy) Poeckes, Sharon Poeckes, Pam Poeckes, Sharon (Eugene) Poeckes.

Pallbearers and Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren & great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanette Harpenau; siblings: LeRoy Harpenau, Doris Bergner, Donnie Harpenau, Billy Joe Harpenau and Helen Galles and In-laws: Eugene Poeckes, Roger Poeckes, Paul Poeckes, Mark Poeckes, Peg Poeckes, Geraldine Hilton.