Robert Ponsar
*** PLEASE SEE NEW DATE FOR GRAVESIDE SERVICE – – THURSDAY, MAY 1ST IS THE NEW DATE FOR THE GRAVESIDE ***
Robert “Bob” Ponsar, age 70, of Walnut, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at his home.
Robert Louis Ponsar was born on October 2, 1954, in Iowa City, Iowa to Louis and Ruth Ann (Hamlett) Ponsar. In his early years he grew up in Delaware County, Iowa with his eight siblings and attended Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi, Iowa. He was devout to his Catholic faith and was an altar boy throughout his childhood. His family eventually moved to Walnut where he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1972. After boot camp in Paris Island, South Carolina, Bob would become Lance Corporal at a fairly young age. Following his short time in the Marines, he would return to Walnut and settle down to raise a family while gaining employment as a crane operator for A.M. Cohran & Son, Inc. where he would remain his entire professional career. A.M. Cohran & Son, Inc. was like family to Bob.
Bob loved cars. At an early age he tinkered with his 1970 Chevelle until becoming rather proficient in auto body mechanics and could repair most any automotive problem he encountered.
He had an independent lifestyle that was mixed with a healthy dose of sitting on his porch visiting with many neighbors and passers-by on main street Walnut. He especially enjoyed passing out candy on Halloween and hanging out with his buddies for breakfast. In his leisure time he would be found pheasant hunting during holidays with his family or trying his luck at a local fishing hole. But he would clearly say the birth of his two children was his greatest accomplishment.
Robert is survived by his mother, Ruth Ann Hamlett-Ponsar of Ottumwa, Iowa; daughter, Michelle Prideaux of Windsor Heights, Iowa; son, Robert Ponsar Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Jayne, Karen, Jennifer and Cassandra; brothers, John, Greg, and Mark; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father, Louis Ponsar; his grandparents; and sister, Mary.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to the family for later designation to a local alcohol treatment program.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bob’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
