Memorial

Robert Eugene Slaybaugh, 77, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Sunday, November 8th, 2020, from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be on November 13th from 4-7 pm at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. As mandated by proclamation facemasks or shield coverings and social distancing must be practiced.  A private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 14th followed by a public graveside service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at 3:45pm. A livestream of the service can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/99924777 Saturday, November 14th at 3pm.

Robert (Bob) was born May 8th, 1943; the son of Clarence and Velma (Frantz) Slaybaugh. He graduated from Washington High School in 1961. He went to the Gale Institute of Business, Minneapolis MN and received licensing and certifications in the insurance/banking industry. In 1964, he proudly married Geraldine Bahls and they created a beautiful life together. 

Bob enjoyed doing everything with his family and had a huge zest for life. He loved fishing, golfing, sporting events, and especially traveling. Bob traveled to all 50 states and the majority of Canada. One of his most cherished trips was the scenic drive to Alaska, involving deep sea fishing adventures and a fish fry shared with his loved ones when he returned home. 

Bob was a loving father, grandfather and uncle to so many. His door was always open, as he cared for many nieces and nephews over the years. He truly emulated the magic of Christmas as Santa, delivering joy to the hearts of hundreds of children for over thirty years. Bob always lit up the room with his moves on the dance floor and he loved to tell a good story. He was a proud grandfather, always supporting his family members and being the loudest one in the stands. Bob will forever be remembered for his sincere and genuine kindness, love and desire for fun. Family and friends would know Bob as charismatic, devoted, loyal, a die-hard Hawkeye fan, and a man of respect. 

In the early years of his life, Bob was employed by Merchants National Bank. He then went onto work at John Hancock Insurance, the CR Gazette, and Armstrong’s Department Store. His career concluded at Farmer’s State Bank, where he retired in 2012. He was also a lifetime member of First Congregational United Church of Christ. 

Bob has now been reunited with his parents, infant son William and sister LaVae, who preceded him in death. Left to treasure Bob’s memories are his wife of 56 years, Geraldine (Gerri), and his children Bob (Sue) Slaybaugh of Nisswa, MN, Tami (Todd) Culver of Marion, IA, Greg (Samantha) Slaybaugh of Marion, IA, and Tracie (Bob) Purvis of Cedar Rapids, IA. Bob had 10 grandchildren, Trevor and Ashley Slaybaugh, Tyler (Kelsey), Kevin, Katie, Lily and Samantha Culver, Austyn and Brittny Slaybaugh and Wyatt Purvis, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and several step great-grandchildren.  Cherished sister-in-laws, Joann Remington and Ida Lou Jilek, brother-in-law, Donald Bahl (Patte) and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Special thanks to the compassionate care team at Unity Point Hospice and Home Instead. 

Because Bob was devoted to helping children with disabilities, memorials can be directed to Camp Confidence in Brainard, Minnesota at https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Campconfidence or to FCCCR at https://www.givelify.com/givenow/1.0/MjA3MzI=/selection