Robert "Bob" Tesar, 70, of Tama, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, 4-6 PM, at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama (causal dress preferred, as that would be Bob's preference).  A time of sharing memories celebrating Bob's life will be at 6 PM.  The family invites anyone that would like, come prepared to share their favorite memory of their time spent with Bob.

Bob was born May 27, 1953, in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the youngest of four boys born to Richard and Nelda (Strachan) Tesar.

Bob attended and graduated South Tama High School. His hobbies included anything to do outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, with his favorite being coyote hunting. He was a great storyteller and loved telling stories about his childhood and the fun he had with his friends. Most of all, he loved attending his grandchildren's activities and cheering their sports. Papa always had "Green Grass Stories" to tell the grandkids.

Bob was a painter by trade and has helped many folks in the area paint their homes inside and out. Bob was best known as caretaker of the Cherry Mansion in Tama. He took great pride in maintaining the historic property and was always willing to give tours and share its history with visitors.

Bob is survived by Melody, of Tama; daughters, Krista (Sahan) Totagamuwa of Waukee, IA, Kelsey (Paul) Hart of O'Fallon, MO; and son, Matthew Hartgers of Wasilla, AK. Bob was a loving, caring, and FUN Papa to Anisha and Nimesh Totagamuwa, Jack and Beau Hart; as well as his trusty dog, Teddy. He is also survived by his brothers, Dick (Alice) Tesar of Cape Coral, Florida, Dave (Deet) Tesar of Toledo, Tom (Jane) Tesar of Tama, and Darrell (Maureen) Duhachek of Illinois; as well as many nieces, nephews, great friends; and his "bonus" family, mother-in-law, Millie Van Soelen of Toledo; brother-in-law, Scott (Gayla) Van Soelen of Grinnell; sister-in-law, Lynn (Phil) Stafford of Tiffin.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Richard Tesar; mother, Nelda (Strachan) Tesar Duhachek; stepfather, Charles Duhachek; and nephews, Chad Tesar and Dicky Tesar.

A memorial fund will be established.