Robert Rudy Hemphill

Robert Rudy Hemphill, 91, of Redfield, Iowa, passed away on June 6, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Robert was born on September 22, 1934, in Yale, Iowa, to Harold and Mildred (Kraft) Hemphill. He graduated from Yale High School in Yale, Iowa. Robert also proudly served in the Iowa National Guard.

On May 26, 1984, Robert married Helen (Rothfus) Hemphill.

Early in Robert’s career, he worked in construction (e.g., roads, bridges, buildings), while also serving in the Iowa National Guard on the weekends. Robert was later hired as a welder for Massey Ferguson in Des Moines, Iowa, and worked there for many years. Once Massey Ferguson closed, Robert worked independently at the Perry Machine Shop in Perry, Iowa.

Robert was a member of the Perry Lion’s Club for several years. He enjoyed the comradery and friendships he developed while being a member.

Robert was a skilled welder and a valued employee at Massey Ferguson for many years. A hard and dedicated worker who was very rarely late or absent, despite the daily commute from Perry to Des Moines. He had an eye for talent and would often say, “I know a skilled welder simply by the way they tip their [welding] mask.”

Robert was creative and meticulous when taking on woodworking/ home remodeling projects. He would not rush through a job to sacrifice the quality/ perfection of his work. He spent a good portion of his life improving the living space for his family. He had the patience for tedious work such as stripping wood baseboards and refinishing them, building custom-made furniture, painting home interiors/ exteriors, installing new flooring, building his own garage, and pouring concrete. He also spent much of his time planting/ growing vegetables in his garden, building bird feeders/ bird watching, and refurbishing/ driving tractors.

Furthermore, Robert was a big fan of “old school” country music artists such as, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Sr., Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. He also enjoyed more contemporary artists including Neil Diamond, Eddie Rabbit, Crystal Gayle, and Eric Clapton. He enjoyed listening to music whenever possible, especially while driving in his car and working in his garage.

Robert was a kind, easy-going, and helpful individual. He was a good conversationalist and did not shy away from talking to people he didn’t know or who were of a different race/ culture/ ethnicity. He loved to tell stories and jokes to anyone who would take the time to listen to him. He befriended people easily and could find a positive attribute in anyone.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Norman “Kay” Hemphill and his stepdaughter, Susie Loynachan.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Helen (Rothfus) Hemphill; are his sons, Mark (Deb) Hemphill of Perry, Iowa and Scott Hemphill of Eureka, California; his daughter, Wendy Hemphill of Des Moines, Iowa; and step-daughter, Connie Wagers of Ames, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Erin Hemphill, Jill Hemphill, Tara Hemphill, Jonathan Wilson, Nichole McNeal, Christy Stanley, and Karmin Stephens; nieces and nephew, Lisa Hemphill, Cheri Hemphill, Lori (Hemphill) Chance, Jeff Hemphill; and nine great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the service of remembrance starting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street in Perry, Iowa.