Robert "Zeb" Newborg

Alvord, IA: Robert “Zeb” Newborg, 88, of Alvord, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at his home under the loving care of his family and Gentiva Hospice. Visitation with the family present will be held Friday, June 5, from 9:30-10:30 AM at Porter Funeral Home of Inwood, Iowa. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Rob Horstman officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery of rural Inwood.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a charity designated at a later date in memory of Bob. 

   Robert Merle Newborg, son of Harry and Helen (Mundt) Newborg, was born January 4, 1938, in Lyon County, Iowa. He grew up on a farm north of Alvord, Iowa and graduated from Alvord High School. Bob married Janet Schemmel on February 14, 1960, at Christ Lutheran Church in Alvord. The couple made their home on the family farm where they raised their 6 children and Bob enjoyed a fulfilling life as a farmer. In 1979, Bob and Jan moved into their home in Alvord.

   Bob was a joy to be around. He always had a story to share and enjoyed teasing his children and grandchildren. Bob had a love for wildlife which led him to a passion for conservation. He placed his farm into the Conservation Reserve Program for 10 years. Through this program he built a pond, which he stocked with fish, and it attracted more wildlife to the farm. He raised pheasants and was a longtime member of Pheasants Forever. His love for the outdoors undoubtedly led him to his favorite pastime, fishing. Bob also took in a stray dog who was roaming the farm and so naturally he named his beloved dog, Roamer.

   Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jan; 5 children, Vicki (Brian) Kletscher of Lamberton, Minnesota, Merle (Marsha) Newborg of Alvord, Brian (Emily) Newborg of Alton, Iowa, Mike (Emma) Newborg of Inwood, Iowa, and Andrea Newborg of Kiln, Mississippi; 10 grandchildren, Cody Knobloch, Alex Knobloch, Alan Newborg, Matt Newborg, Jake Newborg, Samantha Hoefling, Mindy Plathe, Melissa Snyders, Erika Rozeboom, and Madisyn Newborg; step-granddaughter, Hillary Myers; and 20 great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Helen Newborg; son, Joel Newborg; and brother Sherley Newborg.