Robert H. Poort

Robert Howard Poort, the youngest of four sons, of Allen Nicholas Poort and Ada Blanche (Woodlands) Poort, was born on November 29, 1927 near Springfield, Missouri. Bob attended school in Springfield until the age of eight. The family then moved to Thurman, Iowa where Bob went to country school and graduated from Thurman High School. Following school, Bob worked in the Tabor, Iowa area, driving a truck and working construction.

Bob and Joann Jeanette Van Renan were married on July 17, 1948 in Rockport, Missouri. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Kathy, Roger, and Lisa.

Bob and Joann first made their home in Imogene, Iowa, where Bob worked on a farm. They later moved to Glenwood, Iowa where Bob worked for Mills County and Harper Implement. In 1954, the family moved to Malvern, Iowa and Bob worked as a mechanic for Salyer's Auto.

In 1964, Poort's Garage was established in Malvern by Bob and Joann. Bob enjoyed providing a "local mechanic service" characterized by his genuine interest in his customers and community. In 1971, their son Roger began working with him in the business and took over after Bob retired, but on most days, Bob still could be found at the shop working on something.

Bob was a 50-year member of the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department and had served as Assistant Fire Chief. He also served on the Malvern City Council.

Bob and Joann took a special interest in caring for their lawn, flowers, and raising a large vegetable garden. Each spring, Bob was an avid and successful mushroom hunter. He enjoyed traveling with his motor home and boat to camp and fish in many areas in the United States. This love of fishing was passed on to his children and grandchildren. Bob loved spending time with his family and friends. In later years, his home became a gathering place for his friends to sit, talk and drink coffee.

Bob passed away on August 29, 2010 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 82 years and 9 months. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brothers, LeRoy Poort and Guy Allen Poort, and brother Ralph Poort; brother-in-law, Lawrence Brittain; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Givens.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joann Poort of Malvern; children, Kathy Clausen and husband Merle of Mesa, AZ, Roger Poort and wife Mary of Malvern, and Lisa Dolezal and husband Steve of Franklin, TN; twelve grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Jim Van Renan and wife Helen of Nebraska City, NE, and Wayne Givens of Blanchard, IA; sister-in-law, Ruth Brittain of Plattsmouth, NE; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

A memorial fund has been established.