Robert John Pate, 55, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. Born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Robert was a son of the late Russell and Virginia (Miller) Pate. Robert earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Iowa State and his Master’s Degree in Agronomy from Arkansas State. Robert’s passion was conservation and spirits. Robert most recently worked as a District Conservationist for the NRCS, USDA Office in Huntington County. Robert owned and operated a bourbon and rye distillery, Joe Morgan, near the Brown County area, 2014-2017.
Robert met the love of his life, Melody Ragains and they were married on January 1, 2022. Robert was a simple man of God. He loved his faith and loved others like Jesus did. He loved his family farm and siblings. He cherished each moment with his beloved wife Melody. Robert enjoyed genealogy, watching hockey, cheering on both his boys in their sports. He also enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Wild Hockey and the AC Milan football. Robert was a member of Fellowship Missionary Church.
Surviving Robert are his wife, Melody; children, Phillip Pate of Ashville, NC and Gregory Pate of Lincoln, NE; siblings, Brian (Lauri) Pate of Eagan, MN and Christina Pate of Farmersburg, IA; nephew, Christopher Pate of Madison, WI; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joel and Mary Ellen Ragains, Charlestown, IN.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the south office of Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology including Dr. Gonzales, all of their infusion nurses and palliative team, as well as Paradigm Hospice for their compassionate care of Robert during his battle with Cancer.
To know him was to love him. Robert’s life was a Life Well Lived!
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg, Iowa with Rev. Jeremy Wolf as the officiant. There will be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Tuesday.
Burial will be in Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery in Farmersburg, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.