Memorial
Robert “Bob” D. Essig, 96 of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Feb 1st, 2018 at Cottage Grove Place Health Center. Visitation: 4-7pm Thursday, February 8th at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral Service: 10:00 am Friday, February 9th at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial: Cedar Memorial Cemetery.
Bob was born January 8th, 1922 in Dowagiac, Michigan, the son of Dr. F.H. and Bernice Essig. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1939, and the University of Michigan BSE (EE) in 1944. Bob proudly served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, stationed in Germany from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. Bob married Norma A. Schreckengast in 1950.
Bob worked at Collins Radio Company from 1947 to 1970 as a Supervisor Quality Assurance Engineer. After retiring from Collins Radio he worked at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company from 1971 to 1991 as a Quality Assurance Engineer. He was Supervising QA Engineer in support of the construction and operation of the Duane Arnold Energy Center. In addition, Bob was appointed by the CEO of Iowa Electric to serve as the Company’s representative on the Quality Assurance Committee of the Edison Electric Institute. Bob was a Registered Professional Engineer in Iowa and California, and an IEEE Life Senior Member. His hobby and greatest enjoyment was flying in his Cessna Skyhawk, he was a member of the Cloud Nine Flying Club as a shared owner and private pilot.
Bob was an active long-time member of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church and, later, Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Norma of Cedar Rapids; children, Nancy of Marion, and Bob (Sarah) of Hiawatha; 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He loved his family very much and will be greatly missed. Our prayer is that he is flying his airplane in heaven and taking long walks with the family dog, Buffy.