Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at Smith Funeral Home – Grinnell. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 23 at Smith Funeral Home – Grinnell. A traditional Buddhist funeral ceremony will immediately follow the funeral service. Burial will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, Grinnell, IA.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jeannie, of Grinnell, IA; children: Rosemary (Aaron) Sheeler, of Waukee, IA, Jack Lai, of Grinnell, IA, and Tiffany (Logan) Johnston, of Williamsburg, IA; seven grandchildren; brothers: Francis (Bounsy), Eric (Leo) and Paul (Tami) Lai. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.