Robert (Bob) Harlan Lubbers died on October 28, 2024 having just turned 74. After a lovely weekend with family, he collapsed and did not regain consciousness. He died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children.
Bob was born in Orange City, Iowa on October 27, 1950 and raised in Paullina, Iowa with his parents Dorothy and Willard and younger sister Teddi. He went to Iowa State University where he studied engineering science, lived raucously in Knapp House, met and married Judy, and became affectionately known as Buddha. They moved to Columbus, Ohio to pursue graduate degrees (multiple!) at The Ohio State University. He finished with a Masters and PhD in nuclear engineering – though he never got to put those degrees directly to use. Instead he used the computer skills he developed while completing his thesis to work in computer engineering at American Electric Power. He worked at AEP for 36 years where he made lasting friendships and loved to host Red, White, and Boom watch parties (always exceeding his 2 guest maximum!).
Buddha and Judy had 6 children, though you would think it was exponentially more given the number of kids that were constantly around their home. He welcomed everyone and loved to have “extra” kids (because 6 was not enough!) He took on the role of Do-It-All Dad before it was hip to do so. He learned to cook, mastered complicated schedules using spreadsheets, orchestrated mapping of locations all over town well before Google Maps, and probably should have gotten his CDL given the amount of driving he did. Somehow he still managed to cheer on each kid at their competitions. He was literally always there for his kids – in whatever way they needed him.
He claimed to be shy, but seemed to know and chat with people wherever he went. He claimed to be unathletic, but he played volleyball for decades and captained a team of friends, children, and in-laws with an impressive winning streak. He was humble, but was a card carrying Mensa member. He was witty, kind, supportive, strong, resourceful, and wicked smart. He loved music (60s and 70s most!), irreverent humor, logic puzzles, board games (marathon Scrabble games!), rescue dogs, debate, and politics (make sure you vote!).
Bob also enjoyed a slow good bye, always having one more thing to add. His family appreciated that when he gave them time to rally 20+ loved ones to his side in his final hours. He will be deeply missed, but they know that his love and energy will continue in so many of the friends, colleagues, and family that he impacted.
Bob is survived by wife Judy (Richardson), sister Teddi (Al) Oberlander, and a huge clan of children and grandchildren: Monica (Tim), Matt, Anna (Chuck), Leah, Ellen, Chris (Katelin), Charlotte, Ryan, Madison, Brooklyn, Calliope, Christian, Carrick, Cecilia, Evelyn, Grover, and Baby CK. He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy and father Willard.
A celebration of Bob’s life (a Lubbers good bye!) will take place at The Daily Growler, 702 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206, on November 9 from 1-4pm. His family invites you to share memories, stories, or quotes at https://www.newlywords.com/bob-lubbers
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of Shelter Dogs in Athens County https://www.fosdathens.com/ or Nationwide Children’s Hospital https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/giving.