A Celebration of Life Service for Robert Owen “Bob” Guilford, 90, of Indianola, who passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Indianola Trinity United Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends prior to services from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Thursday at the church. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Robert Owen Guilford, who we know affectionately as Bob, was born on January 23, 1934 to Thelma (Beushausen) and Edwin Guilford in his beloved hometown of Loup City, Nebraska. Bob and his younger brother, Jim, spent their childhood exploring Loup City and its unique attractions such as Jenner’s Park, the surrounding sandhills, the Loup River, and Reservoir Hill. The Loup City Public Library and the lovely librarian, Harriet Gallaway, had a huge influence on Bob’s love for Nebraska history. Thelma was a school teacher in a one room schoolhouse, and Edwin worked at the local post office. Edwin became a certified embalmer and director with the funeral home connected to the E.T. Beushausen Furniture store.
In 1948 the Guilford family moved to Indianola, Iowa due to Edwin’s job. Bob graduated from Indianola High School in 1952 and made a lot of great friends that remain in his life today, even though he was a Corn Husker at heart. Bob Davey convinced Bob and Jim that they could run a gas station, so they jumped into operating the Guilford Bros. Conoco station on Hwy 92. Janella (Beck) Guilford moved to Indianola in 1952 from Ankeny with her family. Janella was introduced to Bob’s group of friends at a chivaree that took place in an apartment above the Corner Sundry. In 1954 Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1956.
Bob proposed to Janella at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church just before they entered the Christmas Eve service with a diamond ring he purchased at Beymer’s Jewelry that afternoon. At that same church, Bob and Janella were united in marriage on August 1st, 1957. They welcomed their first child, Jon Robert Guilford, in July of 1961, and later their daughter, Cheryl Ann (Guilford) Riebhoff in September of 1964.
After his military service, Bob went to school at Simpson college majoring in Business and Geology. He graduated in January of 1961. After graduation Bob worked for a short time with R.M. Hale before taking a position with Travelers Insurance Company in Downtown Des Moines. Yearning to be at home more with his family, he worked for a local insurance agency, and later, in October of 1973, he purchased and ran his own Central Iowa Insurance Agency.
Throughout their marriage, Bob and Janella enjoyed making memories on their many overseas travels and road trips with their children and grandchildren. He always had a curious urge to take the scenic route or make additional stops for national landmarks along the way; never forgetting to document the occasions with photographs and picking up road maps at various rest stops. Some of Bob’s favorite souvenirs to collect on his travels were antique toys, cowboy boots and spurs, and his favorite pastime was to whistle along to any song that popped up on the radio.
As a history buff, current events were something that couldn’t be missed, which is why Bob never missed the 5:30 news. Other parts of his routine included weekly coffee with the Trinity men’s group, Lunch Bunch with his classmates and friends, involvement in the Sherman County (Loup City, NE) and Warren County Historical Societies, as well as Rotary Club. Bob was also a member of the Pleasantville Rifle and Pistol Club which is an interest he shared with his son, and grandsons. And let us not forget, Bob was an Admiral in “The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska”.
Bob was a collector of many things. He collected photos, antiques, books, but most of all, he collected memories. One of these is how he enjoyed ordering Currier and Ives calendars. Friends and family looked forward to receiving these from Bob for many years. There is a copy of each one in their collection. From a passion for history, to his love of the Huskers, or his green thumb gardening skills, and love for cars, he had a way to connect with and guide each of his children and grandchildren. These memories are what he will be remembered for. He has left behind a legacy that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will continue to cherish for years to come.
Bob is survived by his wife, Janella; children, Jon (Gail Rich) Guilford and Cheri (Mark Passow) Riebhoff; grandchildren, Jon (Katy) Riebhoff, Cody (Hanna Bush) Riebhoff, Maria Guilford, Luke (Emily Jackson) Guilford and Rachel (Jacob) Kuebler; great-grandchildren, Mickie and Bobby Riebhoff; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Guilford. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Thelma Guilford; brother, Jim Guilford; and son-in-law, Dan Riebhoff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Bob for Iowa residents may be given to Trinity United Presbyterian Church or American Legion Post #165, as well as donations to Sherman County Historical Society for residents of Loup City, Nebraska. Bob’s family would like to thank the medical professionals at John Stoddard and Mission, along with Suncrest Hospice of Des Moines.
