Robert Brummer

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Robert “Bob” Bernard Brummer, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona.  

Bob was born April 9, 1933, to parents Bernard and Helen (Kepford) Brummer in Dunlap, IA, the oldest of eight siblings.  Bob attended the Shady Corner Country School, 2 miles from his home. When asked about his education, Bob was quick to tease that he had to walk up hill both ways in knee deep snow! Bob attended school through his 8th grade year at which point he left to work on the family farm.  

Throughout his 90 years of life, Bob worked various careers. After carrying 65 lb. boxes of butter and dishes of chicken for deboning, to becoming a hired assistant for the Omaha Water Department, Bob found himself farming full time, raising hogs and feeding cattle until August 1980 when he moved to Spirit Lake, IA. It was here that he found his calling as a full-time commodity broker. In 1984, Bob opened B & D Commodities, Inc. in Denison, IA with late business partner Darrel Nissen. Bob’s first commodity trade was made in 1967 buying February hogs and he continued to trade until his passing. In 1985, Bob entered the farming business for a second time continuing to feed cattle until 2019 and farm until five years ago at which point Bob and Lori decided to cash rent their land. 

Bob loved to play cards, mostly cribbage and pinochle. He would teach anyone who would let him and he would play anytime he could.  Bob would often be found playing cards with customers at the office.  Everyone wanted to “skunk” him as he was so darn lucky. 

In 1982, Bob started visiting Arizona where he quickly fell in love with the area saying it was sunny and green, his favorite color as it was the color of money. On Valentines Day 2000, Bob and Lori signed the purchase agreement to the infamous “swimming pool house” in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Throughout the years, this house has been a place of many celebrations and much family time. This home will continue to hold a special place in his families’ hearts for the memories that have been made.  

Although many can agree that Bob’s life was nothing short of numerous achievements and success, Bob would agree nothing compared to his 29-year marriage to Lori. On December 4, 1993, Bob and Lori were united in marriage at The Grand Wailea resort on Maui, Hawaii. Through the years Bob and Lori traveled to many places and created many memories. Throughout Bob’s last years, they spent their days in their beloved Arizona  home playing and fighting over cribbage, watching John Wayne movies and various other shows.  

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three sons Tom, Jerry, and Roger Brummer; daughter Linda Steele; two sisters, Patsy Modlin and Peggy Crom; and two brothers, Joseph and Max Brummer. Survivors include his wife, Lori Brummer of Denison, Iowa; daughter, Roberta (Robert) Steiner of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Bobby Brummer of Woodbine, Iowa and Bryan Brummer of Denison, Iowa; step daughter, Andrea (Jon) Vonnahme of Arcadia, Iowa; step son Justin (Kelli) Blair of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Julie Brummer of Woodbine, Iowa; 20 grandchildren; and several great and great great grandchildren; sister, Mary Schmidt of Blair, Nebraska; two brothers, James (Sandy) Brummer of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and Lary Brummer of Mexico and brother-in-law, Keith Modlin of Omaha, Nebraska and many other relatives and friends.   

In Lieu of flowers memorials maybe given in Bob's name to the Boyer Valley FFA, Our Savior Lutheran Church or the Denison Fire and Rescue.