Robert Lee Hutchison

Robert Lee Hutchison was born September 24, 1936, to Amos and Ethel Hutchison of Moulton, Iowa. The youngest of 11 children, Bob always spoke fondly of his youth.

Though those years were difficult for the family—with the Depression, sons going off to war, and hard times in general—Bob remembered how kind and loving his parents were and the many hours he spent having adventures in nature.

He loved and admired his hardworking father, who still managed to garden and grow food for his family even though he worked in the coal mines with only one good arm and one good leg. Bob fondly recalled how his dad somehow maintained a loving, positive attitude, saying that he never even got angry.

Bob remembered a special time when, as a teenager, his dad took him into town and, because of Bob’s love for the song, bought him a pair of blue suede shoes. It was just one of many stories that spoke volumes about the man Amos was and how he helped shape the man and father Bob would become.

As a young man, Bob chose to follow in the footsteps of his three older brothers by enlisting in the Army. He served from 1959 until 1964 as an airplane and helicopter maintenance specialist.

Upon returning home, he settled in Racine, Wisconsin, eventually returning to Des Moines to help care for his ailing father. Not long after, Bob was ready to be married and have a family of his own.

After accepting an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party from a fellow coworker, Bob met Judith Ann Goode, the love of his life. Six months later, on June 28, 1969, Bob and Judy were married. They eventually made their home in Hartford, Iowa.

They welcomed their first son, Jeffrey Amos, on March 5, 1970, followed by Daniel Lee on August 30, 1971, and David Lee on February 25, 1977. The years spent raising their three sons created a home full of fond memories, laughter, and always a freezer full of fish.

Along with their love of fishing, Bob and Judy enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. They especially loved following the Carlisle Wildcats softball team, even following them all the way to the state championship one year.

Bob worked for more than 30 years at Stone Container Bag Company until his retirement in 2001.

Bob was an avid fisherman and a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan. Go Cubs Go! He had been a Cubs fan since 1954 and loved watching games with his son Jeff. In his final months, they even managed to make Dan a fan.

He spent countless hours fishing at ponds, lakes, and rivers. All three boys went on many fishing excursions with their dad over the years, and in Bob’s later years, David became his fishing buddy.

Bob’s love of music and singing was another favorite part of his life, and his boys all developed that same love. During his final months, with special headphones and Dan’s phone, Bob was able to listen to many of his favorite songs. On many days, you could hear Bob singing all the way down the hall, leaving a smile on many faces.

Bob had a joy for life and drew much of his strength and compassion from his faith and his belief that he knew Jesus and that He would take care of him. That joy was ever-present and contagious.

His gratitude for his family and his caretakers was unwavering. He stated many times that the greatest joy of his life was raising his three sons with Judy.

Family meant everything to Bob, and he made sure they knew it. He frequently told them how much he loved them, and he held their hands until the end.

Bob loved life and was a fighter who defied the expectations of many who cared for and about him. During his final months, he frequently expressed his gratitude for those around him.

Perhaps Bob said it best in the words he proclaimed daily:

“I love everybody.”

Bob will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and he is already deeply missed.

He leaves behind his three sons, Jeff Hutchison, Dan (Kim) Hutchison, and David (Tammy) Hutchison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jasper (Grace) Farlow, Phil (Corinne), Jackson and Wyatt Huxford, Brian Downard, and Devan Mongar.

A memorial service honoring the life of Robert Lee Hutchison will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at: Sunset Memorial Chapel 7601 Fleur Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50321. Please note, to clear up any confusion, 10 am is correct, this website post was in error for a time with a service time of 11 am.

Following the memorial service, Bob will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.