Robert Ellsworth Van Elsen

Robert Ellsworth Van Elsen, passed away on August 27, 2022, at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 75. He had been recovering from a stroke and recently diagnosed with cancer when he peacefully passed away. Robert, “Bob” or “Van”, was born in Colfax, Iowa, on March 12, 1947, and was the son of Lucien and Dorothy Van Elsen.

Those left to cherish Robert’s memory include his wife, Connie Van Elsen, of St. Petersburg, Florida, his children Tina Gray (Todd) of Ankeny, Iowa, Craig Van Elsen (Jessica) of Brandon, Florida, and Carly Hanson (Brian) of Colfax, Iowa, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Robert is also survived by his siblings, Lucien Van Elsen, Jean Haney, Helen Reitan, Henry Van Elsen, James Van Elsen, Lynda Brouwer, Larry Van Elsen, and his many nieces and nephews.

Robert grew up in Colfax, Iowa, and graduated from Colfax High School in 1965. One of his greatest blessings in life was his marriage to Connie, who he married on April 17, 1967. This year marked 55 years of marriage which he celebrated with a bouquet of 55 pink roses gifted to his beloved bride.

A veteran of the Vietnam war, Master Sergeant Robert Van Elsen proudly served in the Air Force for more than 20 years and was stationed at Air Force Bases in Nevada, Texas, and Okinawa, Japan, where he specialized in navigation and electronics. His military service provided a life rich with unique experiences and destinations, and a fabric of friendships he would forever cherish.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1986, Robert embarked on a career in secondary education. His passion for education impacted the lives of many, leaving the world a better place. Known for his charismatic personality and cheerful outlook, he could be heard singing, “Oh, what a beautiful morning….” at the start of each workday. He was honored to close his professional career as the President of Everest College in North Aurora, Illinois.

Robert and Connie moved 35 times during their 55 years of marriage, and eventually retired in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, where he enjoyed playing cribbage with friends, taking golf cart rides in the community, and visiting with family. Robert and Connie shared a love of traveling and enjoyed weekend get aways to Savannah, Georgia, and the many cruises they took. Robert was known for his daily posting of the Pledge of Allegiance and birthday greetings to family and friends on his social media site. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax, Iowa.