Robert Edward Walsh Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and devout Catholic, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025 at the age of 80 in St. George, Utah surrounded by his loving family. Born in Burlington, Iowa, on June 10, 1945 to Robert E. Walsh and Alice Bethel Mehaffy, Robert was the middle child and the last surviving sibling of Joanne Beine, Mary Hopewell, David Walsh and Joseph Walsh.
Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, stationed in Europe from 1963-1967. He worked as a postal specialist and always said, “The communists never invaded Europe on my watch.” His time in service reflected his deep sense of duty and patriotism, qualities that guided him throughout his life. He worked as a Chemist for his adult life formulating industrial coatings. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Burlington, Iowa in 1963 and Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in 1975.
On October 28,1967 he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Dochterman) Walsh, at a friend’s wedding and later married on February 3,1968. Together they built a life grounded in faith, laughter, and enduring love. He is survived by their two children, Deidre Bishop (Shawn) and Phillip Walsh (Colleen), and by five cherished grandchildren: Kathryn, Grace, Emma, Connor, and Evan. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Judith Jones, Mary (Steve) Fickle, Susan Lemon, Barbara Kelley, Jean Walsh and brothers-in-law James Dochterman and Mark Hopewell. Also, many nieces and nephews, cousins and those who felt like family.
Robert lived life with humor and heart. He was an avid golfer with a hole-in-one in 2015, a joyful seasonal Santa Claus, a good sport dressing up at Halloween for his daughter, and a devoted full time RV traveler, spending years exploring the country with Elizabeth by his side. He was proud of his 40 years of sobriety. He wanted to share this just to help even one person who could borrow his strength. A bit of a troublemaker in his youth, he liked to say he was “never convicted”, although he was arrested once for “inciting a riot” on Christmas Eve as a teenager. He kept that storytelling ability and mischievous Irish glint in his eye for the rest of his days.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Robert remained a committed member of the Catholic Church and was known for his quiet strength, integrity, and unconditional love for his family and friends. During this final health battle, it is fitting that his last tv moment was watching a winning touchdown for his beloved Chicago Bears.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, Burlington, Iowa, (tentatively June 2026; dates will be finalized when they become available) with interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for scholarships to Notre Dame High School, 702 S. Roosevelt Ave., Burlington, Iowa 52701.
Robert Edward Walsh Jr. lived a rich, faithful life. There are not enough words or space to be able to describe what he did, what he meant to others or the love he shared with his family and friends. He will be remembered always for his wit, storytelling, the twinkle in his eyes, warmth, and the legacy of love he leaves behind. He will be missed by all who knew him.