Lew Roberts

Lew Roberts, of West Des Moines, died peacefully on Sept. 10, 2022, at Kavanagh House with his wife, Lark, at his side.  

Services will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Thursday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. followed by a reception at the church.

Lew was born on Oct. 1, 1935, in McLeansboro, Ill.  He had one brother, Michael Roberts.  During his early teens, Lew, attended the Pillsbury Military Academy in Minnesota prior to attending Independence High School where he excelled in football and basketball.  In 1954 he joined the Army and served two years active duty before being discharged and entering Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) where he also played football.

Lew and Lark married in 1977 and began a 46-year love affair. Lew brought five children to the table with his former wife, Kaye Roberts: Doug (Deb) Roberts, Toni (Jeff) Baker, Robin (Grant) Bullock, Matt Roberts, and Jeff (Blythe) Roberts.  Lark brought two daughters to the table with her former husband, Don Gilboe; Jennifer (John Flaherty) Roberts, and Melissa (Ian – deceased) Scott.   Lew and Lark have 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Lew worked in sales his entire life, beginning with food choppers at the fair, to dry cleaning services, automobiles and ending his career as Sales Manager for Infomax Office Systems. For much of his career Lew worked side by side with Lark where they made a formidable sales team.  

Lew and Lark loved spending time at their cottage in Clear Lake, enjoying sunset boat rides and keeping the place ship shape.  He loved being behind the wheel of a car going just about anywhere.  Lew will be best known for his engaging personality, and the fact that he never met a stranger.  He was so well known around town that he seemed to always run into one of his many friends and acquaintances. A friend once said that Lew had a special way of speaking that made it feel like a stage light should be turned upon him for a moment.  

Lew was preceded in death by his parents; his brother; and his son-in-law.  

  Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa, P.O. Box 1517, Des Moines, Iowa 50305.