Robert D. Crosby

Robert D. (Bob) Crosby, 84, passed away, Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines. Bob was born in Valley Junction on August 28, 1937, to Norris and Ruth (Welch) Crosby. He graduated from Valley High School and attended the University of Iowa and graduated from Drake University. He joined The Bankers Life (now Principal Financial) and retired after 40 years of service in 2003.

On May 15, 1965 he married the love of his life, Barbara Balducchi and they made their home in West Des Moines and Clear Lake, Iowa. Bob and Barbara enjoyed several trips to Europe, traveling with family, and on every trip always made a point of visiting their favorite country, Italy. Bob was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, having served on the Parish Council; in addition he was a volunteer for many nonprofit organizations, and retired as a Drake Relays official after 50 consecutive years of service. Bob was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Crosby; sister, Sue Cater and his beloved grandson, Kyle Crosby Ernst. He is survived by his wife, daughter, Ann (Dan) Ernst of Olathe, KS, son, Robb Crosby of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Christopher Ernst of Las Vegas, NV; Katie Ernst of Dallas, TX, Chayse and Tori Crosby of West Des Moines; sister-in-law, Cathy Crosby of Clive; brother-in-law, John (Judy) Balducchi of West Des Moines.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am on Friday, October 1 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Thursday evening at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church, or to the Kyle Ernst Foundation, which provides financial support for children for Catholic education.

The family would like to thank the staff of Arbor Springs and Suncrest Hospice for their loving care and support.