Before retirement, Bob owned several small businesses, he also worked as a high school teacher/coach, a farmer, and played professional baseball. A lifelong Cubs and Hawkeye fan; but family was always his focus and true passion. He enjoyed big band music, specifically Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk. He met with a college friend of nearly 70 years, Tom Zimmerman, for lunch every Wednesday, for several decades. Bob died early on a Wednesday morning, he likely had lunch plans with Tom that afternoon. He said that the first thing he planned to do in heaven was to find his daughter Marilyn.
Bob’s family describes him as a great husband, father, and grandparent. His love for family, especially young children, was always on display at family gatherings. He attended as many of the kids, grandkids and great grandkids activities as possible. His presence in our lives was a true blessing, his legacy of family will live on, but he leaves a void that can never be filled.
Bob leaves behind his sister Karen Nelson (Rick), wife Clara Etzel, sons Robert Etzel II (Lori), Roger Etzel (Kym), daughter Rosemary Palmisano, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Pearl Etzel, his brother Jack Etzel, his daughter Marilyn Johansen (Jason) and close friend Tom Zimmerman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to EveryStep Hospice.