Robert “Bob” Allen Taft, age 65, of Knoxville, Iowa, formerly of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Bob was born on September 21, 1960, at Monroe County Hospital to Geraldine Hopkins and was raised by his grandparents, Orvel and Lelah Taft.
He grew up attending school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1980. Bob proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army National Guard for 20 years. On July 20, 2007, he was united in marriage to Carol Eisbach in Albia.
Bob dedicated 22 ½ years to working for the Albia Street Department. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cribbage and putting puzzles together. Bob also loved being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. His real joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his children, Angela (Willie) Wilson, Joseph Taft, Joshua (Amanda Welsh) Taft, and Tabitha (Aaron) Heartley; 19 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Mary (Doug) Turnbull, Judy (Paul) Billings, and Lucinda (Jim) Tuthill; and 4 brothers, George (Robin) Taft, Ronnie (Amy) Hopkins, Alan Hopkins, and Jeff (Karen) Hopkins. Bob is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Taft; his mother, Geraldine “Jeri” Hopkins; his stepfather, Ronnie Hopkins; his grandparents, Orvel and Lelah Taft; and 2 grandchildren, Ashley and Junior.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Bob’s family present to greet family and friends. A time of sharing will be held at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville, with Father Dennis Hoffman officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion Baty-Tucker Post #168 of Knoxville, Iowa, will follow services at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Knoxville.
A memorial has been established to the American Legion in Knoxville, IA.
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