VAN HORNE: Robert John Albertsen, age 86, of Van Horne, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital. Robert was born on September 29, 1939, to Louis and Katherine (Neunaber) Albertsen. His mother died when he was six years old. He attended Keystone School, graduating with the class of 1958, and went on to attend Wartburg College. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, and after six months of active service, he began farming the family farm in Keystone. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Carla Stainbrook, on February 19, 1961.

Robert was a caring man devoted to his family and is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carla. Robert and Carla were blessed with three children: Dawne Albertsen of Eagan, Minnesota; David (Becky) Albertsen of Keystone, Iowa; and Kevin (Jennie) Albertsen of Shawnee, Kansas. Together they had seven grandchildren, who were the joy of Robert's life: Nathan (Andrea) and Brandon Riha; Ryan (Chantel) and Amanda Albertsen; and Ayden (Olivia), Ella and Kasen Albertsen. He also had four great-grandchildren: Carson, Aspen, Ivy and Leo. He is also survived by extended family, including Diana (Danny) Viall and Deanna Dunning and their children and grandchildren; sister-in-law Elaine Albertsen; brother-in-law Jim (Tracy) Stainbrook; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Henrietta; his brother, Richard; and his in-laws, Floyd and Hilda Stainbrook, Karen (Ed) Kaut and Tim, and Bill (Nancy) Stainbrook.

During the farm crisis of the 1980s, Robert studied diesel mechanics at Kirkwood Community College. He later worked outside the family farm as a parts manager for local implement dealerships and drove a semi for O'Grady Chemical. His "retirement job" was driving a school bus for the Benton Community School District for 18 years, where he enjoyed the other drivers, the families and his "bus kids." Robert previously served on the Iowa Beef Producers Board. He was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone, serving on the church council as a deacon and on the usher and elders committees. He was a member of the American Legion and the Van Horne Lions Club.

Bob lived life fully and joyfully. He was the family cheerleader and made everyone feel special. He took a genuine interest in others' lives and cared about how they were doing. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved sharing stories. He and Carla loved camping and vacations with family and friends, as well as attending their children's and grandchildren's activities. Bob enjoyed working around the house and yard, spending time at the farm, sharing a good meal and a show, and taking the occasional day trip with his fishing friends or the "boys" from the class of 1958.

Memorial services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone, Iowa, on Friday, July 17, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, with the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery with Graveside Military Rites. A luncheon will follow at the church in Keystone.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com