Robert E. Hatfield

DAKOTA DUNES -- Robert E. "Bob" Hatfield, 78, of Dakota Dunes died Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held 1 p.m. today at First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St., with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss officiating. A gathering with the family will be in the Safford Room at the church immediately following the memorial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bob was born Aug. 28, 1929, in Sioux City, the son of Ruth (Willoughby) and Rex Henderson Hatfield. He attended Sioux City Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1947. He later graduated from Grinnell College and Officers Candidate School. He served on active duty in Germany and Japan. Returning to Sioux City in 1957, he entered the Naval Reserves, later retiring as a commander. As a businessman in Sioux City, he owned Hatfield Insurance Agency.

During his life, he enjoyed memberships in many fraternal and civic organizations. He was a past president of the High Twelve Founder's Club 1, Noon Sertoma Club, the Castle on the Hill Association, Sioux City Boat Club and the Abu Bekr Shrine Chanters. He served on the board of directors for the Professional Insurance Agents of Iowa from 1984 to 1990. He was a member of the Tyrian Lodge 508 and a 42-year member of the Abu Bekr Shrine. A "cancervivor" of 42 years, he also was a 30-year friend of Bill W. He belonged to the First Unitarian Church of Sioux City, where he served as the membership chair.

He excelled at fundraising for a variety of community organizations. His diverse interests included a love of music, choral singing, golf, St. Bernard's, travel, especially Germany, and of course, humor.

He is survived by his wife, Alma M. Hatfield; her children, Shelly James of Carlisle, Iowa, and Forrest Lambson II of Des Moines; Bob's daughter and her husband, Heidi H. and Stephan Fagerquist of Nashua, N.H.; his son, Rex P. Hatfield of Princeton, N.J.; grandchildren, Kasey and Keith Fagerquist, Katie and Brock James, Ashley, Alexis and Aricka Lambson; his sister, Ruth Eveleth of Salix, Iowa; his former wife, Susan Hatfield; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald A. and Jack H. Hatfield; and a nephew, Donald J. Hatfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed in his name to the American Cancer Society, the First Unitarian Church of Sioux City or the Shrine Transportation Fund.