Robert Kane Popple, Sr. (IABE ’42)

February 8, 1920 – December 16, 2014

Robert K. “Bob” Popple, Sr. (IABE ’42), who commanded a landing craft on Omaha Beach in World War II and went on to become a bank president, entered the Chapter Eternal on December 16, 2014. He passed away in Des Moines, Iowa at age 94.

One of Iowa Beta’s oldest living alumni, Bob attended the University of Iowa and pledged the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was initiated into the fraternity on May 31, 1939 and received badge number 50388. He was active in the fraternity and remained a loyal Hawkeye for the rest of his life.

Born February 8, 1920, in Des Moines, IA, to the late Joseph and Marguerite Kane Popple, Bob left the university prior to graduating to serve in World War II. Family lore tells that he was the first person in Des Moines drafted into the war and learned about it while having drinks with some friends at a bar when his mother called to tell him that the newspaper was at the house looking to interview him.

Bob enlisted in the Navy, and attended Midshipmen's School at Northwestern University in Chicago. He was commissioned as an Ensign on April 23rd, 1943, at Navy Pier. Bob was commander of a landing craft on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, and later served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines and Tokyo. He was also a 33rd Degree Mason.

Bob married Esther Marion Wise on April 23, 1943, in Chicago. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Des Moines and entered the banking business, while also finishing his degree from Drake University.

He worked in the banking industry throughout Iowa and Missouri his entire working life, beginning as a mail boy and working up to bank president. A member of Des Moines Golf & Country Club, Bob chaired the committee for a new location, resulting from the construction of the Des Moines freeway. Thereafter he was elected President of the Club. Bob was an avid golfer, and throughout the years, he tallied 5 holes in one.

"Brother Bob Popple was a True Gentleman and a genuine American hero," said Marc Rosenow (IABE '86), president of the Iowa Beta Alumni Association.  "He is remembered for his kindness to others, his sense of duty, and his colorful storytelling abilities.  He will be greatly missed.

"Bob is survived by his daughter, Susan VanOrsdel (Robert) of Des Moines, and son, Robert, Jr. (Lori) of Manitowoc, WI; his grandchildren, John VanOrsdel, Sarah Gusse (Derek) of Des Moines, Allison Popple (Jeremy Gamble) of Oshkosh, WI, and Ryan Popple of Milwaukee, WI; and his great-grandchildren, Michael and Madeline Gusse of Des Moines. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Esther; second wife, Pat; sister, Doris; and brother, Joe (Buddy).

“May the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.”
-- The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon