Chicago Buehler Newsletter

Iowa Bob is a familiar face to members who visit the Buehler YMCA on weekday mornings, but few know of his personal life, other than the fact that his dad, Bob, is usually with him. We recently caught up with Iowa Bob after his work shift. We sat in the café, talked for a while, and Iowa Bob, typically a man of few words, shared some of his childhood memories and what he loves most about volunteering at the Y.

YMCA: Iowa Bob, thanks so much for making time to talk this morning. I'll never forget the first time I saw you. I was instantly curious about your background.

Iowa Bob: Well, I am a pretty unique guy! I was born in Germany in late 1979 when my dad was working over there. My dad befriended a lady by the name of Sandy Baker-Finn, who was getting into doll-making. Dad is a pretty good sculptor, and since hands are rather hard to make, he helped her out on a few dolls, and she made me as a thank you to him. I kinda look like my dad, don't you think?

YMCA: You sure do! I've seen a couple of photos of your dad when he was younger, and I can definitely see the family resemblance. Tell me, have you gone back to Germany since you came to the U.S.?

Iowa Bob: No, unfortunately not, but I stay in close touch with Sandy, my mom. We email regularly, and since I was born, she's made countless other dolls, so I have a huge family over there. Dad and I will get photos, and sometimes she'll send us a newspaper or magazine article, though I think she forgets that we never learned German. I was only 8 years old when we left Germany, so I hadn't really been through their educational system yet.

YMCA: So you come to the U.S. when you're 8 years old. What eventually brings you to the Y?

Iowa Bob: (his eyes sparkle) Aaah, football...one of my great passions! I get it from my Dad! See, we're from Iowa, in case you hadn't caught on by now, and the Hawkeyes were having an incredible football season. So my Dad brought me to the Y, decked out in Hawkeyes gear, just to brag a little. That is, of course, until we lost...and I was so devastated, I could hardly function. I came to work but with a paper bag over my head. I just couldn't face the world. Soon though, the members coaxed me out!

YMCA: Seems like you've really made some friends over the years here.

Iowa Bob: Oh yeah, everyone is just great here. I love it! Kids rush in to say hello to me. I love all the smiles I get in the morning and the small talk before people go in. Sometimes the members tease me because I have some trouble scanning cards, but hey, that's ok. I get the job done! I love welcoming people to this Y and making them feel at home. Sometimes they say hello to me before they even greet Dad.

YMCA: Well, now we know you're a huge Hawkeyes fan, but the real question is, Cubs or Sox?

Iowa Bob: Ummm, Dad's calling. I've gotta go!