Robert Vidal, 74

Robert Vidal, 74, of Bradford, passed away at his residence. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Iowa Falls is caring for Robert and his family.

Robert Vidal was born on January 16, 1949 in Hampton, Iowa. He was the son of Lewis and Dagmar Vidal (Lund). He graduated from Hampton High School in 1967. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1969. He was most proud to have served those in need during Hurricane Camille in 1969, as well as performing duties as a radio systems operator in Europe during the Vietnam Conflict, before being honorably discharged in 1972.

Robert received his undergraduate degrees from Ellsworth Community College in 1974 and from the University of Iowa in 1977. He then lived in Colorado and various parts of Iowa before finally returning to the Hampton area where he mainly remained for the majority of his life. He performed various work throughout the years from working as a writer, a greenskeeper, a photographer for the Hampton Chronicle and paralegal work.

Robert had many talents and interests. He had a passion for golf, one that he shared with many of his friends and family. He followed in his father’s footsteps becoming club champion at Hampton Country Club in 1985, and helped win many white envelopes in various tournaments across northern Iowa using his patented 7 iron bump and run. He was a gifted writer and a true wordsmith, and he never missed his daily newspaper. He loved watching sports, especially Hawkeye Football and the Denver Broncos. Above all, he loved his family and time with his children and grandchildren.

Robert was an extremely proud military service veteran. He would often try to connect with other veterans in daily life and thank them for their service. He could be commonly found at his “second home”, the VA Hospital campus in Des Moines, walking the halls commiserating with his brothers and sisters in arms and playing reveille on the lobby piano.

Robert Vidal is survived by his children, Sean (Laura), Jade (Doug) Stull and Logan (Audrey); his grandchildren: Dylan, Paige, Sienna, Oliver and Mia; sister, Kathy and brothers, Peter and Leonard as well as several nieces and nephews.

Those left to mourn Robert will remember his kind and sensitive spirit, his dry wit and wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to slow down and appreciate the tiny moments every day that make life beautiful and interesting. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Robert will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 10:30 AM at St John’s Lutheran Church in Hampton. He will be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Lunch will be served at the church following the service.