Robert John Brechtel

Robert John Brechtel, 95, of Des Moines, Iowa was welcomed home to Heaven on November 26, 2025. Robert, known and loved by all as Bob, was born December 14, 1929, to John and Gladys Brechtel in Weldon, Iowa. Bob spent his early years in Weldon before moving to Des Moines with his family during the early years of WWII.

Bob often related the story of being a rebellious youth, including dropping out of school, before his life was dramatically transformed when he was Born Again (John 3:3), placing his trust in Jesus Christ. After kneeling at the altar at First Open Bible church, known for years as Kingsway Cathedral, he began a new life in Christ. After acquiring the equivalent of a GED to finish high school, he then enrolled at Open Bible Institute, graduating with a degree in Evangelistic and Ministerial Studies.

While attending Open Bible, he met Grace Altemeier, and they were married May 17th, 1952. Bob was a hard-working entrepreneur, starting his own company, Brechtel Decorating, which later became Brechtel Incorporated, to include all of his endeavors. At one time he had one of the largest white-wall washing operations in downtown Des Moines. He expanded into commercial painting, and shortly thereafter began flying lessons (he was proud to be a pilot!). While taking flying lessons he was approached by Howard Gregory, owner of the Des Moines Flying Service and asked if he would be interested in painting air markers (a navigational tool for pilots before GPS, the number of miles to the nearest airport was painted on rooftops of buildings). Bob agreed and over the following years developed contracts with at least 22 states. All three of Bob’s sons painted airmarkers with their Dad during high school and beyond. Additionally, he contracted with Northwestern Bell to clean all of the outdoor phone booths in the state of Iowa, which he did for over 30 years. Bob employed up to 40 men and women around the state, often giving them their first job or helping pastors supplement their income with these jobs. He also had a janitorial and cleaning service at the Flying Service, Elliots Flying Service, and other businesses over the years. After air markers and phone booths were no longer used, he retired from that physically exhausting life. He and Grace enjoyed being semi-retired by selling Mountain Man Nut & Fruit products to local businesses. They loved the social interaction that “job" gave them.

Bob was a devoted husband to Grace, his wife of over 71 years, before she went to be with the Lord in 2023. Together, they raised four children, Nancy, Robert Jr., Bruce, and Jon. Bob loved his family dearly, creating many memories with them by simply being available and involved. He brought fun and laughter to the family. Every grandchild was his favorite!

His love for his family was only exceeded by his love for the Lord Jesus. His passion was to know the Bible and spread that truth to as many who would listen. Early on, he collaborated with a pastor friend named George Edgerly on a Bible memorization quiz game which later evolved into the Junior Bible Quiz program for the entire Assemblies of God denomination. According to the national office, JBQ has involved well over 300,000 children over the years, including several of his own grandkids. He was also involved in supporting Christian radio in the DSM area, and Mark IV Pictures, a fledgling Christian movie production company. He wanted to help spread the gospel to as many people as possible.

Bob loved and prayed for his family. Those left to honor his memory include his son-in-law, John Sagherian of Beirut, Lebanon, sons, Rob (Neva) of Lathrop, California, Bruce (Lisa) of North Liberty, Iowa, and Jon (Coleen) of Urbandale, Iowa. 16 Grandchildren; Thia (Alistair), Jay (Lisa), Robert III, Stephen, Philip, Josiah, Jeremiah, Heather (Mike), Melanie (Jonathan), Holly (Tanner), Nathan, Daniel, Ginny, Renee, Elena, Jacob and 12 great-grandchildren with 3 more soon to be born. Special friends (more like family), Howard (Kathy) Livingston of Sagle, Idaho and Jody (Todd) Jacklin of Johnston, Iowa as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys Brechtel, sisters, Betty (Harold) Dolling, and Shirley (Herb) Repschlaeger, his beloved wife Grace Brechtel, and daughter, Nancy Sagherian. 

Services will be held on Monday, December 22, at 2 pm at Ankeny Baptist Church in Ankeny, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior, at 1 pm. Family will greet friends during the visitation as well as following the service.