Robert Mages

Harlan - Robert Louis Mages, 70, died on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home outside of Panama. He was born on May 24, 1954, in Harlan, Iowa to Martin and Alva (Munchrath) Mages, the oldest of eight children. He grew up in Panama, Iowa attending Catholic school through the 8th grade. Bob graduated from Harlan High School in 1972. He was united in marriage to Lori Kleffman on September 1, 1973, at the St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. The couple settled in Panama, living in town for nine years before buying their acreage near Panama. Bob began working first at Western Engineering and then at a pork plant until he started trucking with his father. Bob left the family business for a short time only to return to help grow the business. Shortly after that, he and his brother Don took over ownership of Mages Grain and Trucking.
     Bob was a cherished member of the community and a devoted family man. His life was distinguished by his unwavering love for music, nature and his faith. From a young age, Bob displayed a profound passion for music. At just 14 years old, he began playing a band alongside his father, a bond that would lead him to carry a love for melodies throughout his life. Music was a way for him to connect with those around him, filling hearts with joy through the gift of song. Bob was a proud member of the St. Mary Catholic Church, a testament to his deep-rooted faith and belief in community. Beyond his love for music and faith, Bob found solace in the great outdoors. He treasured boating, fishing and camping with his family, especially with his grandchildren.
     Bob was preceded in death by his father, Martin Mages. He is survived by his wife. Lori of Panama; children, Randy Mages and his wife Suzie of Portsmouth, David Mages and his wife Jill of Panama, Danny Mages and his wife Abbie of Earling, Iowa and Becky and her husband Nathan Pieken of Avoca, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; mother, Alva Mages of Panama; siblings, Marge and her husband Rod Bach of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jeanie Mages of Council Bluffs, Betty and her husband Steve Klein of Earling, Karen and her husband Bill Holt of Dayton, Ohio, Don Mages and his wife Darlene of Panama, Joe Mages of Panama and Susie and her husband Brian Kelling of Olathe, Kansas; and many other relatives and friends.
     A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. The celebrant was Rev. Larry Hoffmann. The concelebrants were Rev. Michael Antoh and Rev. Wayne Gubbels. The pallbearers were Randy Mages, David Mages, Danny Mages, Nathan Pieken, Clayton Mages, Edwin Mages and Jack Mages. Bob’s final resting place is at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com