In Memoriam: Robert ‘Bob’ Vermeer

Robert ‘Bob’ Vermeer, chair emeritus of the Pella, Iowa-based Vermeer Corp. board of directors and the family-owned company’s former CEO, has died at age 78. 

The son of company founder Gary Vermeer, Bob served as CEO from 1989 to 2003, then shared the role with his sister, Mary Vermeer Andringa, until 2014. During his tenure, the manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment expanded to more than 60 countries on six continents, with a team of nearly 4,000 employees and products supported by hundreds of dealers around the world. 

Bob grew up on his family’s farm near Pella, and after graduating from Pella Christian High School in 1962, attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, before transferring to Central College to study economics and business. He earned his degree in 1966, then went to work for the Marion County Bank, eventually serving as its vice president and director. 

He joined his family’s business in 1974 and held several roles before he was named CEO. 

Bob Vermeer’s business expertise and passion for people led to several board roles outside of the company, including Dordt College, Guide One Insurance Co., Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Iowa Business Council, Pella National Bank, Pella Community Hospital, Pella Opera House, Hilltop Manor, Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance, Pella Planning and Zoning Committee and Vital Men Ministries, as well as the Central College and Calvin Theological Seminary boards of trustees. 

In a news release, AEM President Megan Tanel says, “Bob will always be remembered for his support of AEM, his contributions to our equipment manufacturing and his efforts to spur the growth, development and success of Vermeer into the industry-leading company it is today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” 

Bob was committed to numerous charitable endeavors as president of the Vermeer Charitable Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of people throughout local communities, the state of Iowa and worldwide. In 2007, the Bob Vermeer Spirit of Caring award was created to celebrate team members who demonstrated company culture at work and beyond. 

He is remembered for his love of people, his faith, his distinct laugh and desire to put others first. He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Dan, Heidi and Allison; grandchildren, Kelsey, Isaac, Jack, Ella, Xander, Anna, Zoey, Drew and Clair; his brother, Stan, and sister, Mary. 

A funeral service was held at the Vermeer Global Pavilion in Pella Aug. 22, and a community celebration of life was held there Aug. 24. Memorials in honor of Bob may be designated to Faith CRC Building Project, the Well Resource Center and Pella Christian Schools. They can be sent to Vermeer Family Office, 1210 Vermeer Rd. E, Pella, Iowa, 50219.