Robert Bruce Stump, 90

Robert Bruce Stump

1933-2023

Robert Bruce Stump, 90, of Libertyville, Iowa, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at home with family. Bob was born January 31, 1933, near Libertyville, the son of Russell and Florence “Betty” (Howard) Stump. In 1950 he graduated from Libertyville High School where he met and kept score for a red-headed, left-handed basketball player named Sandra Harrison. They were married on July 30, 1955, and were inseparable for 63 years. She preceded him in death, October 16, 2018. Bob attended Parsons College and was a lifelong resident of Libertyville. He worked at Golden Crème Dairy and the Libertyville Co-Op before joining Libertyville Savings Bank in 1960. Bob had a quiet, but profound impact on his communities. He served as Chairman of the Jefferson County Compensation Board for many years and board member of the Libertyville Community Housing Project. He was a Cub Scout Leader, established Stump Insurance and served on the Jefferson County Foundation Board.

Bob was very dedicated to his job and became President and CEO of the bank in 1963, growing it from one location to six and slowly retiring as his girls took over. In 2012 he was honored with the Iowa Bankers 50 Year Banker Award. 

He helped so many people buy their first home or farm, start their dream business, even bail them out of jail. He had faith in his customers and his employees. Bob raised cattle and enjoyed Labrador retrievers, horses, a cabin on the Des Moines River, bowling, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters, Susan Stump (Mark Danielson) of Iowa City, Jill (Steve) Burnett of Libertyville, Laura (Kerry) Gaston of Keosauqua, and Amber (Steve) McDowell of Keosauqua; daughter-in-law Michelle Stump of Eastpoint, FL; grandchildren Noah Danielson, Erin Danielson (Chad Booth), Nathan Danielson, Sydney Burnett (Tristan Pohren), Colton (Anna) Burnett, Blake Burnett, Miles (Emilee) Gaston, Paige Gaston, Kacie (Josh) Wood and Klint (Addy) McDowell; nephews Jeff and Dan Harrison and niece Sandy Quinn; and 5 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Shannon Stump; and brother, Gene Stump.

The family is grateful for Deb Rotenburger, Teresa Scovel, Mindy Smith and her staff (Smith’s Helping Hands), and Every Step Hospice for helping them achieve the goal to keep Bob at home.

An informal celebration of Bob’s life will be held Friday, November 17 from 4-6pm at the Walton Club in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Every Step Hospice of Mt. Pleasant or Serve Outdoors of Keosauqua and mail to: Amber McDowell, 18495 Hwy 1, Keosauqua, IA 52565. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be made by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.