Robert “Bob” Anthony Witowski, 83, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames after a valiantly fought battle with cancer. In the same way he had lived his life, he approached this new experience, with a strong demeanor, positive attitude, and appreciation for life, leaving a legacy of enduring strength, resiliency, and optimism.
His family will never forget his famous “Game of Life Lecture” and the lessons it taught us…
“Life is full of new experiences…whether it be a new school, a new job, a new place to live! It will feel uneasy and uncomfortable at first; but after several months, it will become routine. It is like learning to ride a bike. Keep at it and you will work through it. And remember, I am always proud of you, and I will always be here for you.”
Born on April 8, 1942, and raised in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Louise (Czechowski) Witowski, Bob left Pennsylvania to continue his education and basketball career at Independence Junior College in Kansas. He continued playing basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota, and later a Master of Science degree from Iowa State University in Ames.
He dedicated 36 years of his life to education as a beloved teacher and coach in Carroll, Iowa. He was proud to have taught Economics, Government, and Driver’s Education at Carroll High School and coached football, basketball, and track. He shared his expertise presenting Driver’s Education workshops for the Iowa Department of Education and the National Safety Congress in Chicago.
After retiring from teaching in 2000, Bob continued to share his passion for education by teaching classes through the University of Northern Iowa at the DMACC Carroll campus and supervised student teachers. He also enjoyed substitute teaching in various Iowa schools only leaving the classroom due to COVID at the age of 80.
Bob was actively involved in his community, contributing to Region XII Council of Governments in Carroll and the Regional Workforce Investment Board. He received the Outstanding Young Educator Award and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Bob loved cars, following sports, and especially enjoyed playing golf. His family and friends will fondly remember his devotion to education, community service, and the deep love he had for his family, especially his grandsons who fondly referred to him as “Pop.”
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sherry of Ames; daughters Susan (Tim) Hansen of Nevada, IA, Jill Witowski of Glenview, IL, and Amy (Chad) Rotert of Bettendorf, IA; and stepdaughters Teresa (Brian) Michel of Lincoln, NE, and Stacy (Jay) Jelkin of Omaha, NE. He was a proud grandfather to Zach (fiancée Abby) Hansen, Tyler Hansen, Tre De Lio, Jake Rotert, Dilan (Bridget) Michel, and Jordan Jelkin, and a great-grandfather to Mabel Michel. He is also survived by his sisters, Louise Heromin, Lorraine Zarlinski, and Karen Day and sister-in-law Barb Witowski.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Francis, and Joseph; and brothers-in-law, Dan Day and Peter Heromin.
Private family graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Roland Cemetery followed by a gathering of family and friends at Adams & Soderstrum Funeral Home in Ames from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to remember and celebrate Bob’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be directed in Bob’s memory to a special endowment of the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation that supports the Israel Family Hospice House.
Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamssoderstrum.com.
