Robert C. “Bob” Caven

Robert C. “Bob” Caven, 98, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Robert Clayton Caven was born on October 10, 1927 in Maquoketa to Denzil and Clella (Raab) Caven. He attended East Iron Hill and West Iron Hill country schools and graduated from 8th grade at the Emeline country school. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Army near the end of World War II. He attended the University of Iowa for 3 years and then worked at Clinton Engines. In 1961, he became a real estate agent for the John L. Jones Agency. He later became a partner with Donald F. Nissen at that agency and retired in 1990.

In 1954, he married Jo Ann “Jo” Sagers. To this union two children were born, Julie (Richard) Sherrard, and Bradley Caven. For most of their married life they lived on the family farm near Iron Hill which has been in the family since 1877.

Bob enjoyed hunting big game out west as well as in Iowa, spending time on the family farm, and helping many friends and family members sight-in their guns for hunting season.

Survivors include Jo, his wife of 72 years; daughter and son-in-law Julie and Richard Sherrard of Baldwin, IA, son Brad of Andrew, IA; 2 grandchildren, Gabrielle Sherrard of Madison, WI, and Grant Sherrard of rural Maquoketa, IA; one great-grandson Julian Alexander of Madison, WI; siblings, Bill (Connie) Caven of CO, and Bonnie Caven of Clinton, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jackie, Jim, and Don.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa, IA. Private family services will be held at a later date. Burial will be at the East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.