Robert Holland, 88, of Keswick died Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Oskaloosa Care Center. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Burial will be in the White Oak Cemetery near Thornburg. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the White Oak Cemetery.

Robert Lester Holland, son of Alfred and Ina Lester Holland, was born on September 11, 1931 near Keswick, Iowa. He was a 1949 graduate of the Thornburg High School. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Airforce where he served one year in Fukuoku, Japan during the Korean War. Robert was united in marriage to Rose Marie Carmer on October 19, 1951. After his honorable discharge in 1955 he returned home and assumed full responsibility of the Holland family farm. Bob always enjoyed the day to day operations around the farm and was always seen driving around on his 3-wheeler constantly maintaining fence. Even though Bob had a strong work ethic he never missed an opportunity to watch his grandkids in whatever sporting event they were involved in. He also enjoyed watching stock car racing, Hawkeye football, playing scrabble and dominos. He was also a committed member of the White Oak Presbyterian Church where he rarely, if ever missed a Sunday service. After church each week he looked forward to fried chicken and fresh apple pie. Robert was a true gentleman who set a perfect example on how a husband should love his wife. Even after years of marriage he was still madly in love with Rose Marie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rose Marie Holland; a brother, Donald (Ellen) Holland; two sisters, Zelda (Jewel) Harriman and Edith (Bruce) Martin; and a grandson, Jeffery Bennett.

Robert is survived by a son, Curt (Barb) Holland of Keswick, two daughters, Patti Jo (Ken) Fritz of Cleburne, TX and Brenda (Alan) Strasser of Dewitt. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Joshua (Zina) Fritz, Jonathan (Elle) Fritz, Josie (Tony) Johnson, Holly (Jason) Rubalcava, Chad (Michelle) Holland, Abby (Jamie) Bennett, Levi (Katie) Holland and eighteen great grandchildren.