James R. Law

James “Bob” Robert Law, 90, 9643 315th St., Clear Lake, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. 

A memorial service was held at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, on Monday, Jan, 20, 2014 with Reverend Bernie Colorado officiating and with Pastor Randy Vaage participating.  Following visitation his body was cremated.  Military honors 

were provided by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.  Inurnment will be at Lincoln Township Cemetery, Hanlontown, Iowa.  Memorials may be given in memory of James R. Law.

     Bob was born July 1, 1923 in Mason City, the son of James Garfield and Vera (Vawter) Law.  He attended country school and Hanlontown High School.  Following high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater.  

Bob married Ruth Stokesbary on Sept. 9, 1950 in Garner, Iowa.  The couple enjoyed 63 years together.  

After the service, he came home to farm.   Bob was a lifelong farmer.  He farmed the Century Farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1863.  In 2013, the farm was recognized as a 150 Year Heritage Farm Award.  

Family was important to him and he loved having his children and families live close to him.  Bob retired from farming in 1985.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger days and enjoyed having his private plane pilot license.  

     Bob loved music.  He said it was his therapy to play the guitar with the dance bands, Hal’s Ramblers and Char’s Band.   Many North Iowan’s enjoyed their music in dance halls, the Fourth of July parades, and later at assisted living and nursing homes. He played for 50 years, with his last performance being Dec. 24, 2013.  He learned early to play by ear.   

     Bob was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, VFW Post 733, Mason City, and was a Lincoln Township Trustee.  

     Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth Law, Clear Lake; son, Randy (Leslie) Law, Clear Lake; daughter, Patti (Denny) Baker, Clear Lake; six grandchildren, Zachary (Dominique) Law, Clear Lake, Quincy Law, Lafayette, Ind., Cameron Law, Clear Lake, Jeremy (special friend, Rosalie) Baker, Troutman, N.C., Jacob Baker and Rebecca Baker, Clear Lake.

   Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James G. Law, and Vera and Frank Kluseman; brother, Eldon G. Law; half-sisters, Charlotte Saliger, and Sandy Hamlin; and half-brother, Dale Kluseman.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.