Robert John Cousins, Jr.

Mr. Robert John Cousins, Jr., 90 of rural DeWitt, Iowa, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 16, 2018, in his home.

He was born July 18, 1927, to the late Robert John and Mathilda "Tillie" (Witt) Cousins and attended the Rural Home School just south of his home and DeWitt High School.  Bob met Donna Rittmer at a little ice cream shop in DeWitt where she worked and after dating for several years, the couple married August 7, 1949, in her parent's home.   The couple farmed and raised their family south of DeWitt. Farming and raising cattle were Bob's pride and joy along with his family. He farmed all of his life on the family farm, purchased by his grandfather in 1916 and recognized as a Century Farm in 2016.  While in partnership with his father and brother, Bob made many trips to Nebraska with his father to buy young calves and yearlings, feeding them to market weight and shipping them to Chicago Stockyards.  A load of cattle was shipped every week, topping the market for 18 weeks in a row.  At one point, the packers from Chicago made a trip out to the farm to see the operation and how they were producing quality cattle.  Bob continued on his own in 1974, eventually starting his own cow/calf herd.  

He was a member of Farm Bureau, Clinton County Cattleman and an honorary chapter member of the DeWitt FFA.  In 2010, Bob and Donna were inducted into the Clinton County Cattleman's Hall of Fame for six decades of outstanding beef production and  support of the organization.   Bob  enjoyed dancing with Donna at Fairyland with their friends, playing Canasta with his children and grandchildren and going for Sunday drives.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Donna; children, Roger (Jill) Cousins of Marion, Barbara Farwell of Goose Lake, Ronald Cousins and Rob (Tammy) Cousins of DeWitt; grandchildren, Joe Madden, Steven (Mandy) Madden, Sheila Madden, Christopher Madden, Angela (Sean) VanWinkle, Patrick Madden, Kara (Mike) Larson, Kory Cousins, Kristy (Derrick) Jellison, Kelly (Kim) Cousins, Renee Farwell, Ellen (Derek Witt) Farwell, Kimberly (Curt) Shepherd,  Megan (Mike) Housenga, Krista Cousins, Madison Cousins, Mason Cousins and Maxwel Cousins; 16 great-grandchildren.

Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Brenda Madden, a son-in-law, Steven Farwell and a brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Donna Cousins.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2018.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2018, at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt with Deacon Mark Comer officiating.  Burial will follow.  

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.  

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

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