Robby Dale Van

Robby Dale Van was born on March 7, 1977, to Rick Van and Anita Perry in Hamburg, Iowa. Robby was raised by his stepdad, Terry Nelson, and Anita Perry. Robby was the middle child of four children, Ricky, Jessica, and Lucas. Robby was united in marriage to Amber Anderson on September 26, 2009. Robby has five children: Wyatt, Kaylynn, Anyla, Jocleyn, and Victoria.

Robby grew up in Riverton, Iowa, and attended school at Farragut Community. When Robby was younger, he enjoyed playing with his siblings and cousins. In 1987, his family moved to Washington. Growing up in Washington, Robby enjoyed playing football and baseball. Robby loved collecting football cards and enjoyed watching WWF. His favorite wrestler to watch was Hulk Hogan. Jessica remembers Robby also trying to act like Hulk, because he always thought he was big and strong.

Robby also enjoyed mountain climbing while living in Washington. Robby had the chance to climb and camp on Mount Hood. He enjoyed every minute of it. He would talk about going to the mountains all the time when he was a child. His dad (Terry) would take the boys fishing at lakes around Mount Rainier. The boys also went camping a few times around Mount Rainier. This is something that Robby did enjoy a lot. His dad (Terry) shared that one time they were fishing on the river, and Robby caught a carp. Robby got the fish all the way to the bank of the lake, and then jumped in the water to get the carp. Dad said he was so excited, he looked like a bear catching his catch of the day.

In 1992, Robby and his family moved back to Iowa from Washington. During this time, Robby attended Shenandoah Community Schools. Being closer to family again, Robby enjoyed spending time with extended family, friends, and siblings. Robby enjoyed playing games at get-togethers and being in the moment. Robby loved hanging out with friends and being the center of attention, so wherever there was action, you could find Robby.

Robby married the love of his life, Amber. Together they raised Amber's two children, Wyatt and Kaylynn. Robby treated these two like they were his. Robby loved spending time with them and doing everything he could to provide the love they needed. Along came Anyla and Jocelyn. They were the glow in his eyes and his baby girls. Robby loved every one of his kids and would do anything to make them happy. They enjoyed summer trips to Okoboji. They enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming, and spending time together.

Robby enjoyed working in construction. He did have many different opportunities to work within the construction field. He also enjoyed grilling out and cooking. In his free time, you could find Robby playing cornhole, poker, keno, and watching football.

Robby is survived by his wife, Amber Van, son Wyatt Samano-Anderson, fiancée Emily, daughters Kaylynn Samano, Anyla, Jocelyn, and Victoria. Dad Terry Nelson, wife Terri, and stepdad Herb Shelton. His siblings, brother Ricky Van and significant other Theresa Roz, sister Jessica Good and husband David, and brother Luke Nelson and wife Jacqie. Nephews and nieces Dakota, Chloe, Zoey, Lelah, Makayla, Emmanuel, and Daniela.

Robby was preceded in death by his mother Anita Shelton, and father Rick Van, and his grandparents.

His celebration of life will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11am to 3pm at Faith Journey Church 2920 N 118th St #104, Omaha, NE 68164