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A Tribute to Bob and Cathy Wells - Founders of Central Lock Security

Dateline: 405 27th Ave S., Clear Lake, IA, Robert Wayne Wells, 89, died Monday, February 23, 2015, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, IA.

A Celebration of Life Party for friends and family was held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Apple Valley Assisted Living, 405 27th Ave. S., Clear Lake, IA. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated after the family's private viewing at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, IA. The family requests that gifts be given to Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City, UIA, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Robert, the son of Hobert Wayne and Mary Leona (Tolliver) Wells, was born on September 2, 1925, in Olney, Illinois. Bob was raised by his maternal grandparents Fredrick and Hattie Tolliver until the age of 16. He then lived in Chicago at a WPA camp until he joined the Navy in 1944 and was stationed in the Kansas City, Kansas area. 

Bob met and married Catherine Ballew on March 16, 1946, in Kansas City, MO. They then moved to Washington D.C., where Bob was discharged from the Navy. They were blessed with twin daughters in July 1947. In 1957 they moved to Clear Lake, IA, with their twin daughters Patsy and Betsy.

He worked for Rice Electric until he started Central Lock and Key in Clear Lake in 1961. They moved the business to Mason City in 1964. They continued to run the business until 2006 when he retired.

He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours telling personal stories of his life and listening to all the activities they were involved in. His major hobby was beeping (metal detecting). 

Bob and Mike spent many years digging dirt, looking for treasures. As the grandchildren got old enough, they would tag along and help him dig the holes. He had to give it up in his early 80s as he just couldn’t get up when he got down on his knees. Although, he would sometimes get one of the great-grandkids to do the digging. He also enjoyed traveling with Cathy throughout the United States after the girls left home.

Bob is survived by twin daughters Betsy and Patsy. Betsy (Mike) Deets lives in Garner, IA, along with her children Matthew Deets, Michelle (Dan) Yezek, and Nathan (Nola) Deets. Patricia (Doc) Gilbert lives in Clear Lake, IA, along with her children Todd (Angie) Gilbert, Chad (Doy) Gilbert, and Jennifer Aydelotte (Jason). 

Bob was blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren Tye, Toni, Addie, Eli, Jake, Salida, Nicholas, Thomas, Zoe, Jeffrey, Lily, Alelya, Sarah, Evie, Lukas, Ben, and Laeton. and was anxiously awaiting the imminent birth of his first great-great-grandson.

His sister Maxine Kimpling-Donisi lives in Rock Falls, IA. Sisters-in-law Betty Schober and Linda (Jack) Gordon live in Reno, NV. He has a brother-in-law, Wayne Ballew, and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Catherine (July 27, 2014).