Roger Bahr

Roger Paul “Hoot” Bahr was born September 11, 1933, to Daniel and Mary (Andresen) Bahr on a farm outside of Dunlap, Iowa. He attended the Lary Willow #7 School for three years. The family moved to town in 1941, and he graduated from Dunlap High School in 1951. Hoot joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and proudly served his country for four years. He served during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he visited 50 foreign countries and ports. Roger married Donna Mills on June 1, 1958, at the Logan Christian Church. After serving in the Navy, he moved to Omaha working for University of Nebraska College of Medicine for 11 years and then at Western Electric/AT&T Lucent Technologies for 28 years. Roger and Donna had three children, Kelly, Karen and Wayne. He retired in 1995 and the couple moved to Pisgah, Iowa.

Roger was an active member and Deacon of the Church of Christ in Little Sioux. He was also a member of the American Legion in Pisgah. Roger served on the Central Committee for the Harrison County Republican party. Roger graciously helped out in the community when there was a need. He was an avid cook and was famous for his beef brisket, pineapple upside down cake and cookies. He loved to plant flowers that drew butterflies and hummingbirds to his yard. He valued people and established lasting relationships. Roger liked to travel with Donna and he visited 44 states. He liked to play the harmonica for his family and friends. He had a cookie ministry that enticed fellowship after church. He was a positive and gentle man.

Roger died on Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha at the age of 77 years, six months, and 28 days with his three children at his side.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ray and Don Bahr, and three sisters, Clara Jochims, Della Rizzo and Lena Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Donna Bahr of Pisgah, Iowa; two daughters, Kelly and her husband Lee Valencia of Beaverton, Oregon, Karen and her husband Dave Portenier of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Wayne Bahr and his wife Sharon of Mondamin, Iowa; four grandchildren; Todd (Sierra) Valencia, David (Adina) Valencia, Kevin (Lisa) Mautz, Gina Mautz, five great grandchildren; Alexis, Todd Jr, Dezmin Valencia and Alex, Shawn Mautz, two sisters, Betty Fitzgerald of Dunlap, Iowa, Lois and her husband Herb Gundelach of Fiddletown, California; two brothers-in-law, Andy Rizzo of Warrior, Alabama, Don Mills of Stockton, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services
10:30 am Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Church of Christ
Little Sioux, Iowa

Clergy
Pastor Steve Sheridan

Musicians
Peggy Pippitt & Rick Powell

Selections
Eternal Father, Strong to Save (The Navy Hymn)
Be Still, My Soul

Pall Bearers
Todd Valencia ~ Lee Valencia ~ Dave Portenier
Steve Kepford ~ Roger Pippitt ~ Dave Roden

Military Graveside Rites
American Legion Dunlap Post #224
American Legion Pisgah Post #408

Final Resting Place
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Dunlap, Iowa