Robert H. Van Pelt

Robert Howard Van Pelt, 80, passed away Jan. 29, 2015 with his wife, Mildred by his side in Scottsdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Floy Van Pelt and his first wife, Magnhild Lovaas to whom he was married 47 years.

Howard was born in Corning, Iowa, June 14, 1934, and was a graduate of Corning High School and Drake University in Des Moines with degrees in Economics and Business Administration.

He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served from 1956-1958 in Fort Devens, Mass.

Howard retired from IBM after 29 years of service in 1987. Following his retirement, Howard researched and published four family genealogy books, which are registered and located in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

In 2007, Howard relocated to Arizona and was married to Mildred Naven Fishell in December of that year. He loved Arizona and traveling with his wife, Mildred, enjoying many trips around the United States and Canada.

Howard is survived by his wife, Mildred; his daughter, Anne Margaret Underwood and husband, Rick; two grandsons, Bradley and wife, Stephanie and Dane Underwood; and great-grandsons, Titus and Luke.

Also, surviving are his brother, Ralph Eugene Van Pelt and wife, Marjora and daughters, Dawn McCallum and Debra Hanson.

There will be a family and friends memorial service scheduled in Corning, Iowa, later in the year.