Memorial
Robert R. Bostwick started his new journey as he passed from this life on November 12, 2018. Bob was born on January 31, 1927, in Washington, Iowa, the only child of Benjamin Franklin Bostwick, Jr. and Erma Tanner Bostwick. Announcing his birth, his Father stated that he was now the “proudest man in the state of Iowa”.
Bob attended and graduated from Washington High School with a great love of all sports. After graduation he joined the Merchant Marines and was based in New Orleans. After his term was up he enrolled at the University of Iowa where he lettered in football and played junior varsity basketball.
Following graduation from Iowa, Bob served in the Air Force and then returned to the University of Iowa to obtain his master’s degree in secondary education.
His love of football led him to coaching jobs in East Peoria, Illinois, Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Stout State in Wisconsin. He finished his years in education as a principal of West Branch High School in Iowa, and then principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent at College Community Schools, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Bob spent his retirement years “giving back”. He was active in the Shueyville United Methodist Church, the Tuesday Noon Optimist Club, and volunteering in a tutoring program with elementary students. He enjoyed spending time with the pride of his life, his children Mike, Ann, and Rick. He believed in the philosophy that “the rewards in life are equal to the quality of the service we render”.
The sunshine of Arizona brought Bob out west to Green Valley where he continued his love of woodworking, tennis, and racquetball.
“Uncle Bob” became a favorite of his many nieces, and nephews.
Bob is survived by his wife, Janet Ruth, and daughter, Kerry Ann Bostwick, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, sons, Michael Bostwick, (Yukari) Yugawara, Japan, and Rick, Iowa City, Iowa; grandsons, Dennis (Leslie) Denver, Colorado, and Christopher (Cathy) of Madison, Wisconsin. Three great grandchildren: Claire Bostwick, Georgia Bostwick, and Harrison Henry Bostwick.
A memorial celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Monday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Tuesday Noon Optimist Foundation, the College Community Schools Foundation, or the Shueyville United Methodist Church Foundation.