Obituary of Robert D. Bothell

Robert “Bob” Bothell 103 of 1 Oaknoll Retirement Residence died 11:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Iowa City Senior Center, Zion Lutheran Church or Oaknoll Retirement Residence. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Bob was born September 19, 1905, in rural east Iowa City to Adlow and Bertha (Rogers) Bothell. He helped his family farm in east Iowa City and graduated from Iowa City High School in 1924. After graduating from high school he worked at Benda Grocery as a delivery person. In 1924 Bob joined the Iowa National Guard and completed nearly 14 years of service. He ended his career as a First Lieutenant. He recalled many stories of helping flood victims and the boys prison during a riot. He also worked at the United States Post Office for a short time and drove taxi. On January 5, 1929, Bob married Gladys (Fuhrmeister) of Newport Township. They lived at 728 Second Avenue. Many good times were spent there and some trying times with the Ralston Creek always flooding. Gladys passed away in 1984 after 55 years of marriage. In 1935 Bob started working for Maher Bros Transfer for Dennis Maher. In those days Maher’s hauled livestock and motor freight between Iowa City and Chicago. Bob would recall many stories about those Chicago trips. In 1954 Bob and Earl Riley bought the business from Dennis Maher. He sold his part of the business to Earl Riley in 1989. In 1993 Bob moved to Oaknoll where he calls his many friends and employees of Oaknoll his family. Bob has done many hours of volunteer work during his lifetime. For many years he and Gladys did volunteer work at Zion Lutheran Church. After Gladys’ passing Bob continued counting the offering and did computer volunteer work until 2006 when his eyesight caused him to retire from that work. In 1989 he volunteered at the Johnson County Senior Center doing various jobs until 2006 when he retired. He enjoyed sending email messages to his friends and family, quite a feet to learn the computer at his age! His family includes his daughter, Connie Bramble of Iowa City and grandchildren Chrissy of San Francisco, CA, Theresa of Denver, CO, Jeff of Danville, CA and Debbie of Denver, CO; and his sister Alma (Clyde) Felton of West Liberty; many loving nephews, nieces and friends that loved him and will miss him. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and 4 brothers and an infant brother. A special thanks from Bob’s family for the compassionate and loving care that Bob received while living at Oaknoll, especially the Nursing and Dining Room Staff. That was home for Bob, and they were such a part of his famiy! Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bob’s family and his services.