Robert and Hazel (Friedholdt) Cowles were married in 1941, shortly before America’s entrance into World War II. The couple started their life together with plans to build a new home, but the attack on Pearl Harbor changed those plans. Robert enlisted in the Navy and became a member of the Avenger Squadron. He served as a radio technician in California and Chicago before being honorably discharged in 1945. Robert and Hazel moved back to Davenport and picked up their lives where they had left off. They built their dream home and moved in during January of 1947.

After serving his time in the military, Robert went to work fixing machinery at the Independent Baking Company. When the company closed down in 1950, Robert acquired a position at Lusk Candy Company. He stayed with the organization, which later became a part of Brach’s Candy Company, until his retirement in 1980.

Hazel always cared for the couple’s home and enjoyed being a fulltime homemaker. She liked to work on her sewing and to crochet. Her happiest times were spent experiencing new place with Robert during their travels.

The Cowles were able to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Community Foundation thanks to the merger of MidAmerican Energy Inc. with CalEnergy. The couple transferred their MidAmerican stock to the Foundation in order to provide them with a lifetime income that was higher than the dividends they were receiving. Though Hazel has passed away, Robert continues to enjoy the financial advantages of their gift annuity. In time, the community will benefit from the financial generosity of Robert and Hazel as well.