Robert K. Ackley, known as Bob, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at age 95, exactly four months after the death of his wife, Sue Ackley, on January 2, 2026. Their marriage lasted more than 70 years and remained at the heart of Bob’s life until the end.
Born on July 2, 1930, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Bob lived a remarkable life defined by devotion to family, dedication to his community, enduring friendships, and a genuine joy for life.
Bob was a proud graduate of the University of Iowa, where he attended from 1948 to 1952 and graduated on June 6, 1952. While at Iowa, he was an active member of the Greek community as a proud Phi Psi, and a graduate of the ROTC program. It was also there that he met his wife, Sue, who was a member of Delta Gamma. The two were married on June 7, 1952 — just one day after graduation — beginning a marriage that lasted 73 years.
Bob joined the army for two years after college graduation, as a First Lieutenant, Infantry, and served at Ford Ord, California. Bob devoted the remainder of his professional life to banking and leadership, serving as President of South Ottumwa Savings Bank. He was respected not only for his professionalism and integrity, but also for the kindness, humility, and steady leadership he brought to everyone around him.
Outside of work, Bob embraced life fully. He loved golfing and was a member of the University of Iowa’s Golf Team. He took great pride in achieving what many life-long golfers only dream of — a “scratch handicap” as a younger man, and three hole-in-ones over the years. He also treasured vacations with family and friends at Lake Okoboji, where countless memories were made and traditions carried on through generations.
Bob and Sue moved to California upon his retirement in 1987, spending many years at their home in Cupertino. In their final years, they enjoyed being part of the Hamilton community in Palo Alto. Bob and Sue were part of the fabric of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives in California.
Above all, Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Ackley) Sherwood and her children, Scott and Sarah Sherwood; son Stephen Ackley and his wife, Maryan Ackley, along with their three children Kate Ackley and her husband Phil Adamson, Lucie Ackley, and Charlie Ackley. Bob’s immediate family also included the “Ottumwa/Okoboji” family nieces, Linda Bloom (deceased) (Michael), Nancy Menke (Steve), and Amy Maris (John), and many great nieces and nephews who welcomed Bob and Sue back to the lakes each summer with open arms. Bob was also predeceased by his brother, Richard M. Ackley and his wife Mary, of Ottumwa, Iowa.
Bob will be remembered for his warmth, loyalty, sense of humor, and dedication to the people in his life. We are grateful for his long life, rich with friendships and fond memories.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place this summer at Lake Okoboji. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Okoboji Community Foundation or St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.