06/04/2026
Robert Zust Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Grandview Park Chapel on Jun. 2, 2026.
Robert (Bob) James Zust, 93, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 1, 2026.
Bob was born on September 25, 1932, in Decatur, Illinois to Kenneth and Grace Zust. He moved with his family and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. Bob went on to be a star athlete at East High School, earning Iowa All-State honors in football and track & field. He accepted a football scholarship to Drake University and played one year before marrying the love of his life, Joanne (Nordaker) Zust on July 18, 1952. Bob left Drake and was drafted to serve his nation in the U.S. Army.
Following basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, Bob was stationed in New Jersey. He earned the rank of Private First Class, and then Corporal, working as an electrical technician and repairman during his two years in the Army.
After Bob's term of service ended, he moved back to Des Moines to settle down with Joanne and their new baby, Rob, and continued to build their family. Bob worked his entire career for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a cable splicer. He was known for his hard, loyal work, dedicated service to his customers, and was well respected by everyone he worked with. Outside of work, Bob enjoyed hobbies and recreation such as golf and outdoor activities, including the annual trip to Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. His greatest pride and passion was reserved for his family. He was a loving, kind, and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a strong, stable leader for his family and provided an outstanding example of love and faith. Bob had been a member of Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines for more than 70 years.
Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, Kenneth and Grace; his wife Joanne; his son Robert (Rob), his grandson Robert (Robbie), his brothers Fredrick (Bud) and Bill; and his sister Louise.
He is survived by his daughter Ronda Stones (Rick), son Joel (Cathy), and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Zust, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will greet friends on Thursday, June 4th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Iles Grandview Park Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5th at 11:00 am at Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Bob was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Online condolences may be left at www.ilescares.com
Robert Zust Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Grandview Park Chapel on Jun. 2, 2026.
Robert (Bob) James Zust, 93, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 1, 2026.
Bob was born on September 25, 1932, in Decatur, Illinois to Kenneth and Grace Zust. He moved with his family and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. Bob went on to be a star athlete at East High School, earning Iowa All-State honors in football and track & field. He accepted a football scholarship to Drake University and played one year before marrying the love of his life, Joanne (Nordaker) Zust on July 18, 1952. Bob left Drake and was drafted to serve his nation in the U.S. Army.
Following basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, Bob was stationed in New Jersey. He earned the rank of Private First Class, and then Corporal, working as an electrical technician and repairman during his two years in the Army.
After Bob's term of service ended, he moved back to Des Moines to settle down with Joanne and their new baby, Rob, and continued to build their family. Bob worked his entire career for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a cable splicer. He was known for his hard, loyal work, dedicated service to his customers, and was well respected by everyone he worked with. Outside of work, Bob enjoyed hobbies and recreation such as golf and outdoor activities, including the annual trip to Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. His greatest pride and passion was reserved for his family. He was a loving, kind, and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a strong, stable leader for his family and provided an outstanding example of love and faith. Bob had been a member of Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines for more than 70 years.
Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, Kenneth and Grace; his wife Joanne; his son Robert (Rob), his grandson Robert (Robbie), his brothers Fredrick (Bud) and Bill; and his sister Louise.
He is survived by his daughter Ronda Stones (Rick), son Joel (Cathy), and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Zust, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will greet friends on Thursday, June 4th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Iles Grandview Park Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5th at 11:00 am at Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Bob was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Online condolences may be left at www.ilescares.com
