Robert Charles “Bix” Bixenman, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 24, 2025. Bix was a lifelong source of energy, optimism, and encouragement who had a rare gift for leaving people better than he found them. Born June 23, 1930, in Fort Madison, Iowa, Bix lived with humor, purpose, and an unshakable belief in Positive Mental Attitude. He believed in showing up, working hard, helping others, and choosing joy—and inspired many simply by how he lived.
A self-taught entrepreneur, Bix founded Bix Service in 1961 and went on to build national distribution networks in the foundation and basement water-control industry. Above all, he loved people and had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and capable.
Service was always at the heart of Bix’s life. After losing his sight at a young age, the Lions helped make corneal transplants possible—an act of kindness that shaped his lifelong commitment to giving back. Whether serving coffee with a smile at the Lions Fly-In Pancake Breakfast or leading as a local Jaycee's chapter president, Bix embodied service. He was later honored as a lifetime member and Jaycee Senator, reflecting his deep belief in lifting others up.
Bix married Charlotte Elmore in 1963; they later divorced. He later married Irene Bentler Schulte in 1970, (deceased 1997), and Genevieve Brown in 2000 (deceased 2025).
Family was Bix’s greatest pride. He was a devoted father and is survived by his children: Sue (Neal, deceased) Frary; Paul Robert (Carolyn Mainous) Johnson; Bill (Monica) Schulte; Rhonda (Frank) Pieper; Bambi (Randy) Helm; and adopted daughters Patricia (Alan) Peck; and Robyn (Marty) Abolt. He was a proud grandfather to Paula (Colin) Woods; Bob (Ashley) Frary; Erin (Frank) Green; Kari (Karen) Ellington; Josh (Becky) Johnson; Courtney Johnson; Kaelyn Johnson; Paul (Jody) Schulte; Michael Schulte; Chris (Jill) Schulte; Ryan (Rebecca) Pieper; Elizabeth (Bobby) Kennedy; Sarah (Regan) Lawson; Darren Helm; and Matt (Kristin) Lyons. He had numerous cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Geraldine Bixenman, and was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.
True to his generous spirit, Bix also extended love and support to Genevieve’s children: Kevin (Teresa) Brown; Jeff (Sandy) Brown; Kim (Mark) McCullough; daughter-in-law Nancy (Steve, deceased), and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bix was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mary (Mitch) Bixenman; his brothers Gerald, Erwin (Winnie) and Joe (Mary Ann); and his sisters Eileen (Pete) Moser, Rita (Ed) Pranger, and Margie (Don) Dunn.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Houghton, IA. King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Online condolences to the Bixenman family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
