Obituary of Robert Lee Wynja

    Robert Lee “Rob” Wynja, came into the world at Sheldon, Iowa on June 11, 1952; one of twin sons born to James and Elizabeth Jean (DeLeeuw) Wynja. He and his brother, Ronald, were welcomed home by their older sister, Barbara; eventually, two other boys would complete their family. Along with his siblings, he spent his early years in Melvin, Iowa where he received his education, graduating from Melvin High School with the class of 1970.

    Following high school, Rob was employed at the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator in Melvin as a truck driver, a position he held and enjoyed for 35 years. On October 22, 1971, he was united in marriage to Twilla De Graaf at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. The couple made their home in Melvin and became the parents of two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. This union later dissolved.

    In his free time, Rob enjoyed watching old westerns on TV, keeping up with current events on the computer, playing cards with friends or visiting with the locals over a cup of coffee at JR’s in Melvin. He had also been a member of the Eagles Club in Sheldon.

    Health reasons prompted a move to Fieldcrest Assisted Living, the Christian Retirement Home and lastly to Fieldcrest, all located in Sheldon. He enjoyed making new acquaintances and looked forward to visits from family, grandchildren and friends. Rob had the gift of being able to talk to anyone; he loved to visit with people and learn what was happening in their lives. Even through all his health challenges, he had always kept God at the center of his life.

    On Monday, September 4, 2023, Rob passed from this life at his home in Sheldon. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Wynja; grandparents: Bill and Margaret DeLeeuw, and Henry and Dora Wynja.

    Survivors include his children: Mitch and Mandy Wynja of Sheldon, Iowa and Matt and Jackie Wynja of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; seven grandchildren: Taylor (Brad), Ryder, Evan, Kyler, Bailey, Kemper, Brody;  one great-grandchild, Kyah; special friend, Janice Bolkema of Sheldon, Iowa; his mother, Liz Wynja of Sanborn, Iowa; brothers: Ronald (Kathy) Wynja of Sibley, Iowa, Mike (Kay) Wynja and Mark (Marsha) Wynja; one sister, Barb (Craig) Sorensen all of Melvin, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.