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Anonymous planted 50 trees in memory of Robert Isler
Thursday, December 21, 2023
50 trees were planted in memory of
Robert P Isler
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Maria Ress Johnston posted a condolence
Saturday, December 15, 2018
It was such a shock and sorrow to see Bob's Obituary in the newspaper last week, but we're so grateful to have seen it in time to be able to attend his service and reconnect with the family. We had no idea that Bob had moved to the Tampa Bay area. Our family has had many connections with, and very fond memories of the Isler family. My father, Philip Ress, and uncle Fritz Ress were brick and stone contractors who did quite a bit or work for Bob in the construction business. I (Maria) loved and babysat for the girls - Kathy, Carolyn and "baby" Diane before Maria came along.
Once again, our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of an amazing and wonderful man.
Maria & Barry Johnston
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Pat Eisenmann Donahue posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Thanks so much for sharing your Dad’s eulogy and so many details that I did not know. You did a great job of writing this and gosh, what a full and amazing life your dad lived! I remember parts of this when you lived in Okeana. I remember being at your home that sat up from the barn and looking over your farm. (Never knew about the reclaimed building materials! Wow!) I remember coming for dinner and being there other times. Your Mom had binoculars to check the cattle. ( A practice I adopted when we got our farm because of that! Thought of your folks every time I used them - really). I remember your Dad there in your home (and other places) being so much in charge, a strong force - confident and knowledgeable- and yes a perfectionist. He did SO many things and knew SO much. He was one of those guys who had book knowledge, native intelligence and so much common sense. He could think it and knew how to do it and could do all the hand-on things. I remember that about him- hence the go-to guy in every area he touched. Guys like him are rare- but you know that!
He was kind of a “Tiger Dad” - the kind that raises tough kids that do not buckle or quit, who work hard and develop high standards. You girls (women’s now) all have grit and that is because of how you all were raised.
I sure do remember his strength and what a leader he was in everything he did. What an amazing legacy! How fortunate you all are to have had him as an example. I am so sorry for his passing - as much for his grandchildren as for you girls - because of the example he gave all of you. Lots of life lessons.
In my memory as a very young 4-H Agent he was one of the people I could go to for opinion and clarity. Of course he did not hesitate! In a way he was a little intimidating to me but he was never unkind. Guess that was the softer side - he would share his reasoning and could explain things so well.
We are all better for his life. I know you are sad and at the same time so grateful. Hold on to that.
Thinking of all of you this morning.
Love to you all,
Pat
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Carolyn Isler posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Words of Remembrance
Robert Peter Isler, born September 9th, 1935, known to us as Uncle Bob, Grandpa Bob, Papaw Bob, Bob, and Dad.
Well, here we are, a day we all knew would come, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
I have my handwritten notes on a yellow tablet. For those of you who do not know, my Dad ran his life by the lists and notes he wrote on a yellow notepad.
Where do I start? All I can say is that I hit the Jackpot when it comes to parents... Dad put his heart into every single thing he did. He was competitive, driven, strong, protective, dedicated, a very hard worker, and just a tiny bit of a perfectionist. But underneath that rough and tough exterior was a loyal, kind, and compassionate man.
Dad had a knack for challenging everyone around him to be their best at everything they did, not because he expected perfection (well, not all the time) but because he wanted the best for everyone around him. I remember as a young teen being tasked to do something that I found dauntingly over my head: Back the 20’ four horse gooseneck trailer into the big barn with less that 1’ to spare on each side. I remember saying “Dad, I don’t think I can do it”. His reply was simply “Well, you’re never going to know unless you try, are you?” ... and then added “I thought you wanted to get your drivers license”.
That’s how he operated, Bob Isler never met a challenge he couldn’t or wouldn’t take on.
- He was the first Isler to attend and graduate from college, Naval ROTC at the University of
Cincinnati, where he met Mom, and then served the U. S. Navy to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
- Dad went from a track house salesman to respected developer and builder in the community, so
much so that he was elected to Chairman of the Board of Kenwood Savings and Loan.
- Not only did he become a respected 4-H advisor, he was the “go to guy” when it came to
raising, breeding, and showing livestock. A hobby sparked by Kathy’s constant plea for a horse, which transitioned to Polled Hereford Cattle when he bought the farm in Okeana. We went from a nylon halter and a 5-gallon bucket of grooming tools to competing at the Junior Nationals.
- Dad was green before being green was cool. Dad built our home and barns in Okeana from reclaimed lumber. He studied land and water conservation practices, then implemented them on the farm. This included building a pond. When the county wouldn’t issue him a permit, he became a state certified pond builder.
- While serving on the Morgan Township Town Council, he organized and formed a zoning board, eventually convincing a bunch of independent land owners that they would be protecting, not diminishing, their land values if they implemented zoning.
- Golf anyone??? Mom and Dad started the Annual In-law Out-law Golf Outing which he continued with Ardette until he was unable to travel. And of course, everyone knew that Bob Isler was “the man” for anything and everything related to golf clubs, from young Alexander’s first set of clubs to a driver affectionately referred to as the ‘Bobby Club’ somewhere in Sun City Center.
Dad was always seeking to improve the world around him and he almost always applied analytics. His methodology to life seemed to ensure that nothing was left to chance. Whether it was
- the proper feed ratios for livestock - which grip to put on which shaft
- the greens at Caloosa Golf and Country Club or - the dining experience at Freedom Plaza.
Dad was a no excuses guy. If he gave you his word, he found a way to make it happen. Dad committed to Maria that he would come to Naperville to watch Ben and Adam, so Andy could be with her for Theo’s birth. When she made the “it’s time” call, Dad was there... Only after she came home from the hospital and asked, “Hey Dad, where’s the Lexus?” did he mention that he totaled it in Indianapolis and had driven a rental car the rest of the way.
Our Dad, with more than an occasional “wait until your Father gets home” from Mom, somehow managed to raise 4 strong-willed, rowdy, and close-knit girls, which, according to Auntie – the apples didn’t fall far from the tree as far as it relates to your Father.
Dad taught us how:
- to drive... fast
- to do your homework, i.e. always be prepared
- to lead by example
- to do it right, or not at all
- that most of the time, doing the right thing is very hard but also very rewarding - to be accountable for your actions
- to leave things the way you would like to find them, and...
- you don’t have to be a boy to know the difference between a channel lock and a vise grip... or anything else for that matter.
Dad was fortunate enough to find love again after Mom lost her battle with cancer in 1998. He and Ardette have enjoyed 18 years of marriage... Thank you Ardette.
Dad lived a full life. We are truly blessed to have so many happy memories to hold in our hearts. Diane, Natalie, and Justin will always think of Dad when they play Mexican Train.
Dad managed to cheat death far longer than he imagined
- he nicked an artery in his left bicep with a chard of steel while removing foundation forms on
Beechcreek and tied it off with one of his iconic red bandanna hankies that doubled as a tourniquet. - he rolled a tractor, a backhoe, and fell from a 12’ foundation wall.
- he survived a horrific automobile accident that broke 4 vertebrae in his neck in 1991.
and
- he managed to survive 2 major open-heart surgeries.
Ultimately, it was his heart that just couldn’t keep up with him any longer. Dad scripted his exit from this life true to form, always planning ahead...
- he gathered his tribe for Thanksgiving
- he made additional arrangements for Ardette on Friday
- he attended 4:30 mass at St. Anne’s on Saturday
- he walked into Southbay Hospital on Monday morning (December 3rd) at 4:16 am, refusing a
wheelchair, and took his last breath at 4:25 am.
Ardette. Thank you for loving and taking care of our Dad through sickness and in health.
Dad. You’ve only been gone a few short days and you are already dearly missed.
We are comforted to know you are with the Lord, so we won’t say ‘good-bye’ instead ‘until we see you again’.
Rest in Peace Dad.
We hope you enjoyed the ride.
Written: December 8, 2018 by Carolyn Isler
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The family of Robert P Isler uploaded a photo
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
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Robert Owens donated to NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PA
Friday, December 7, 2018
In memory of Bob Isler. My prayers go out to the entire Isler family for the passing of Bob.
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Saturday
8
December
Memorial Mass
12:30 pm
Saturday, December 8, 2018
St. Anne Catholic Church
106 11th Ave. NE
Ruskin, Florida, United States
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