Robert “Bob” Milarch, 79, of Spirit Lake, IA, formerly of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal services held. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Atlantic, IA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Robert Henry Milarch was born on December 13, 1945, to Harold and Anita (Sasse) Milarch in Beaver Dam, WI. While growing up, he lived in Lawrence, KS, and later San Diego, CA. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and later earned a degree in music from San Diego State University.
Robert was a musician for most of his life and enjoyed travelling around the country and playing music. He was most proud of forming and managing The Mesa Band, in which he also played the drums. After putting the drumsticks down, he worked for Henningsen Construction in Atlantic, IA as a driver on the asphalt crew for a number of years.
He was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, holding an office multiple times in Atlantic. In his free time, he enjoyed playing in dart and pool league, being a gun enthusiast, fishing, and hitting the local social circuit in Atlantic to visit with his many friends in the area. Robert was a dog person, and over the years, he had many canine companions, rarely being without a dog. He loved them all, especially his most recent “little buddy”, Vedder. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow.
He is survived by his daughters, Meagan (Anthony) Dillon and grandson Deagan of Spirit Lake; Tiffany (Frank) Dambra and grandchildren Angelo and Janae of Atlantic, IA; Donna Milarch and grandchildren Maelyn, Blaise and Ethan of Hanceville, AL, ex-wife and close friend Sherrill Clausen of Atlantic, IA, and many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, aunt, uncle, and several very close friends and bandmates.