Robert "Bob" Axmear

Robert J. Axmear, 65, of Waukon died Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at his home. A visitation was held Saturday, January 21 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Robert James Axmear was born February 23, 1951 in Sigourney, the son of Kenneth and Joan (Herdliska) Axmear. He graduated from high school in Keswick and married Kathy Harris. The couple lived in North English and had one daughter, Nickie; they divorced after three years.

Bob moved to Iowa City and worked for Ron’s Welding and was also a heavy equipment operator for Pella Road Construction and Shamrock’s Construction. June 5, 1976, he married Mary L. Welch in Iowa City; they had one daughter, Kristina.

In 1980, Bob had an accident, breaking his neck and forcing him to retire early. He always had a passion to renovate a Victorian house and finally realized his dream when his uncle-in-law found him a house in Waukon. Bob and Mary moved into the house in Waukon in 1991, and he fixed it up beautifully.

Bob is probably best known for his hostas. He belonged to the American Hosta Society and also started and built the Hosta Library online (www.hostalibrary.org). He won numerous awards for his plants, including the 2010 American Hosta Society Distinguished Merit Award, the 2012 First Look Frances Williams Award, and various first-place ribbons at hosta conventions.

Bob also loved photography and, besides hostas, would photograph animals and nature. Some of his hosta photos were featured in a 2004 calendar from Hostaholics Anonymous. He became quite computer literate and would make webpages for people. Bob enjoyed growing lilies and doing some general gardening, and raising tropical fish as well. He loved being with his family, especially his children, and loved his dog, Max, who went everywhere with him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Waukon; two children, Nickie (Dennis) Vitali of Las Vegas, NV and Kristina Axmear of Iowa City; four siblings: Deanna (Doug) Valley of Stillwater, OK, Steven (Marvel) Axmear of North English, Fred (Patty) Axmear of Decorah and Carolyn (Don “Deuce”) Heying of Calmar; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rick Axmear; a nephew, Bryce David; and his father- and mother-in-law, Ambrose and Phyllis Welch.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.