Robert Laib

Osceola

Robert Allen Laib better known to his friends as “Bubba” has left this life on February 17th, 2020 in Mesa Arizona. Bubba has touched many peoples lives around the country and was born in Hettinger, ND on February 23, 1958 to Jeanene Goplin and Denny Laib. His earlier years were spent in Hettinger, ND.

While growing up in Osceola, IA, Bubba was active in his community and coached little league baseball and youth wrestling for many years while working at the local Pizza Hut. He was known to fit his whole team in his giant Buick and was a frequent guest at the local Dairy Queen. He became a bar owner of the Backdoor Lounge in Osceola in the 80’s and used his coaching skills to start up a slow pitch softball team called Bubba’s Scrubs.

Throughout the years, he would meet people from all over the country that would come to visit him at Bubba’s Backdoor Lounge. Although busy, he always made time for people and was known to drive around town in his Santa suit and stop in on all the family’s with kids to spread his Christmas Cheer. He eventually found his way to a security position at Vets Auditorium in Des Moines, IA having fun with the Barn Stormers crowd and working concert venues. Eventually, Bubba moved to Denver, CO to work security at the Pepsi Center where he got to meet the Dali Llama and several other celebrities. When Aerosmith would play there, Steven Tyler could be heard yelling, “Bubba…. Come over here my brother!”  They all knew Bubba by name and the stories he has told are always entertaining!

Bubba joined his brother, Michael in Phoenix, AZ and opened a bar called DB’s Sports Bar. Bubba enjoyed the bar business and speaking and meeting new people. He always had a story or three for anyone and was a special friend to many. We will miss Bubba and all those stories of a well lived life. Even with death, Bubba is still giving to others and donated his organs to help over 50 people in need. Bubba was a huge Patriot’s fan, Cubby fan and Hawkeye fan.

Bubba was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Agnes Goplin, grandparents, Andrew and Alvina Laib; his parents, Jeanene and Dennis Laib and his sister, Susan Laib. Bubba’s immediate survivors are Mark & Deb West, Iowa City IA; Mike & Joni Laib, Phoenix AZ; Barb Laib, Osceola IA; nieces, Susan West, Denver CO and Mikayla Laib, Phoenix AZ; nephews, Adam Laib, Los Angeles, CA and Tyler West, Solon, IA along with cousins from North Dakota, Colorado and Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Laib family at Kale Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com