Robert Axmear

Robert J. Axmear, 65, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at his home. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Saturday, January 21st, at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Robert James Axmear was born February 23, 1951, in Sigourney, IA, the son of Kenneth and Joan (Herdliska) Axmear. He graduated from high school in Keswick, IA, and married Kathy Harris. The couple lived in North English, IA, and had one daughter Nickie; they divorced after three years. Bob moved to Iowa City, IA, and worked for Ron's Welding and was also a heavy equipment operator for Pella Road Construction and Shamrock's Construction. On 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, IA. 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 1st 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, IA, Fred (Patty) Axmear of Decorah, IA, and Carolyn (Don "Deuce") Heying of Calmar, IA; 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.