How that smile will be missed. He always smiled and I loved his giggle. I so wish we had stayed in touch.

Love and will miss you for now cousin.

Bob performed my marriage ceremony at Faith Lutheran in October 1984 and Stephanie played violin. He also baptized our first born. I will always remember his humor, sunny disposition and the way he led our congregation well, he left a lasting legacy at Faith Lutheran. To Stephanie and the girls I am so sorry for your loss. May Gods peace be with you and may he comfort you. Thank you for touching our hearts and lives Pastor Dotzel.

Pastor Dotzel performed my marriage ceremony at Faith Lutheran in October 1984 and Stephanie played violin. He also baptized our first born. I will always remember his humor, sunny disposition and the way he led our congregation well, he left a lasting legacy at Faith Lutheran. Thank you for touching our hearts Pastor Dotzel.

Dr. Dotzel was truly a man of God. I was fortunate enough to be in one of his World Religion classes at Kirkwood. That was six years ago but since taking his class I have frequently recalled his words and teachings on the subject of religion and the issue of spirituality and the meaning of faith. I was struggling with my faith then. Dr. Robert encouraged me ( and all his students) to embrace the doubt and to question our faith as it was part of our human experience and would provide opportunity for each of us to learn and to strengthen our faith through new perspective and provide affirmation of who and what God is in our lives. Dr. Robert taught us to learn from those of different faiths. Without his wisdom I may not have had the respect and consideration for the preciousness of those faiths.

Thank you, Dr. Dotzel! I am blessed to have known you. I wish I could tell you how important those teachings were to me and how they've helped me in my walk of faith. My heart prays for comfort and peace for his family. I know how important they were to Dr. Robert. In our faith God can and will do great things to strengthen us!

Hi Stephanie, you have my prayers this day for strength. May you and your daughters be uplifted by the presence of all those attending Bob's celebration of life service, and by those of us attending in Spirit. I pray you will be comforted with the real presence of Jesus the living Christ, and by the knowledge that Bob has found eternal peace in the arms of Christ.

Rob will be missed in so many ways by all the people who knew him. He was a magnificent, gentle, caring human being whose wisdom and intellect set him apart as a gifted spiritual leader and person. We will always remember him for being a guiding light who set the example of how a good life can be led. Our sincere condolences go out to Stephanie and all of Rob's family, friends, and colleagues.

I have such fond memories of Pastor Bob from his time at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. From the youth group and bell choir activities and trips to the everyday church activities. I remember taking violin lessons from Stephanie and even babysitting their girls on a few occasions. My sincerest condolences during this time and thoughts and prayers for his family.

Cathy and I would like to extend our condolences to Robert's family. We are their neighbor, and always enjoyed chatting with Bob when working outside. He was an excellent neighbor, always friendly and interesting to talk to.

Gary Kellogg

I worked with Rob's eldest daughter, Krista, in college. Through her I met Rob and Stephanie. They welcomed me into their home with open arms. I loved going over for a family dinner as it was one of the things I missed the most after moving away from my hometown. Rob was funny and sweet with an enviable lust for life. One of my favorite memories was coming over for"squwatch dogs," a hot dog dish that Krista had encountered in her adventures on the east coast. It wasn't a fancy or even very good dish, but we had a ton of fun that evening.

Stephanie,

Rob was one of the best persons I have met on this earth. In an era when no podcasts were in existence, I would attend multiple services to listen to his sermons again and again. I don't recall a time that he ever used notes and every sermon felt as if he were talking directly to you. A great pastor. When he followed his calling to IC, there was a real void in our spiritual life. It truly seems like yesterday that he baptized our youngest son, Eric on Christmas Eve, 21 years ago.

To Rob's family, we are sorry for your loss. Blessings, Joe, Sharon, Tyler, Adam and Eric.

Remembering him fondly here at St. John's Des Moines.

Rob was a long time cherished colleague in the Lutheran Ministry. I am sad to read of his death. There are few better than he. As pastor, chaplain, leader mentor and friend he touched and influenced many lives, including mine. May he rest in peace!

Dear Stephanie and family,

I was so saddened to hear of the death of your dear husband and father from my sister Karen and my Mom Diane Ekstam. Pastor Rob was so courageous in the way that he handled his journey with this advanced illness. I will always remember his love and support of my Dad during his illness as well as the support that he gave to me and my family. I will continue to pray for healing, comfort, and strength at this most difficult time and in the days to come.

I took a class with Rob while attending Kirkwood. He was such a great instructor as well as a great person. May you rest with God Rob! Thanks for all your work!

I remember Bob and Stephanie from St. John's in Des Moines. I was in Cathedral Choir with Stephanie and my children were young at the time. It was always a pleasure to hear Bob speak at services; he was always so happy. It was sad when they left, however, I am sure they were fulfilled with their ministry in Iowa City. I hope that Stephanie and their family will find strength and peace in Bob's love and memory.

Stephanie,

Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Rob. My thoughts are with you and your daughters. Sincerely, Pam

I am so sorry to read of Rob's passing--it was only 2 months ago we were enjoying the Norwegian dinner together at Christ the King church. You two are special people!!

Pastor Rob was my campus pastor and my friend. He generously gave me a home for 2 years in the Lutheran Campus Ministry (Christus House) during a tough time in my life. He had a joyous, genuine presence, and his laughter echoed throughout Christus House. Pastor Rob taught me by example how to believe and live boldly in God's grace.

In an email exchange from May 2014, Pastor Rob shared with me his sincere excitement for his ever-changing, growing calling:

"I am excited about the call to Gloria Dei. Over the years I have come to love this congregation and its wonderful people. The best part is that I don't have to leave Iowa City or really say good-bye to my LCM friends, because I will still be involved from my office across the parking lot. The Campus Council is meeting to consider what LCM can afford for staffing in the future. It may be that we will continue the staff sharing arrangement with Gloria Dei, with me as Senior Pastor and a new person at LCM. I have high hopes for the future of both ministries!"

He shared the love of God with each of us, and we loved him dearly.

Saying goodbye is hard for us, too, so I'll cherish the memories that I shared with him.

Rest in Peace, Pastor Rob

Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City sends our deepest sympathies. Rob was a great instructor who regularly filled his classes here. He was well respected and popular with students.

I knew 'Bob' when I was a 4 year old member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Salina, KS. He and Pastor Gustafson used to visit with the Four Wonders Preschool class on a weekly basis. As my parents served as the janitors at Immanuel at the time, my brother and I were often at the church during 'off' hours, and Bob was always up for a game of tag or tossing a ball with us in the courtyard at the church. I also remember when he married Stephanie (Block), and I have a wonderful picture of us on his last day in Jeanine's office. He was always so full of happiness and ready for an adventure. My sincerest condolences. Ruth Ann Grittman

I became a Lutheran because of Pastor Rob and his amazing gift for ministry. I was also blessed to play music with his wife and daughter. He will forever be a role model to me for a true Christian and a wonderful human being. I know he is smiling down from heaven as we remember all of his gifts to the world.

I am sorry Mrs. Dotzel for your lost... NWJH orchestra

My memories of pastor Rob come from st johns:Lutheran in des Moines is. He always had the best personality and a very good pastor. My. Condo land ances to Stephnie and family

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Stephanie and Family I'm so sorry for your loss. I came to know Pastor Rob when he was working at campus ministries and when he became pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran church. It was a privilege to know Pastor Rob as Friend and c-worker. Rob you will be missed.

Stephanie and family,

Oh how much I loved and respected Rob. Ron and I are deeply saddened by his passing. Our hearts go out to all of you. You have been on a journey with your husband and father, and I pray for peace for all of you.

He touched so many lives, and truly lived a life of service and faithfulness to his faith. That warm smile, his sense of humor, what a great man he was and is!

Rob and I worked together at LCM, and he was always a joy to be around, and Ron and I were always touched and inspired by his sermons when we attended services at Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Bless you all.

Sharon and Ron Hanson

Paul and I send our sincere condolences at this sad time. You are in our thoughts.

Rob (at the time, Bob to me) and I met when he was a sophomore and I, a freshman at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. We enjoyed each other's company a great deal; especially him teaching me German sayings and me rephrasing them with a hillbilly accent. I was from Missouri.

I just really felt moved to want to say something. Unfortunately, unlike a lot of people that will pass this by and mention knowing him in some way, I did not have the honor or privilege of knowing Reverend Dotzel before he went home to be with our Lord. I do know the Zierath family by means of my girlfriend, Jenny Zierath, and I know how high she spoke of him and how fond of him the whole family has been. I know from just those 2 facts that this was a man I would have loved to get to know and listen to. I know that, from what I have heard, Reverend Dotzel was a true man of God, and he loved everyone inside and outside of the church. And just from these little pieces of knowledge Jenny has shared with me about him, I cannot wait to meet him when God calls me home. I want to send my condolences to the Dotzel family and let them know I will be praying for them daily. Much love and prayers!

"Be strong and take courage; do not fear nor be dismayed! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!", Joshua 1:9

Prayers and blessing to Rob's loving family.

Rob was an important figure in my life especially during the time of Karl's illness and passing. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. Prayers and God's peace to his living family.

Pastor Rob was a wonderful mentor and pastor, and it was a privilege to get to know him both as the Lutheran Campus Minister and as Pastor at Gloria Dei in Iowa City. He was always kind and generous, welcoming, and supportive, and I greatly appreciated his presence and leadership. I am so sorry to hear of his illness and passing. He was a blessing to so many, including myself.

Rob and I were campus pastors at the same time (he in Iowa city and I in Fargo, North Dakota) and saw each other at various campus ministry events in the late '90's.

When George Forell, my Ph.D. advisor at Iowa died in 2011, his funeral was at Gloria Dei in Iowa City. I was asked to preach (quite an honor, I must say) and showed up without any dress shoes. Rob lent me a pair of his. Afterwards, I thanked him and off-handedly said something about how comfortable they were. He responded immediately, "I'm glad you like them they're yours. Take them with you." I did. And gratefully wore them for years.

Peace of Christ be with you all,

Bill

When my daughter left Texas for Iowa to attend college, I prayed fervently for angels to watch over her. My prayers were answered the day she walked into the youth ministry and met Robert Dotzel. He and his family nurtured her, guided her, and a few times, kept her in their home when I could not come from Texas or have the money to bring her home. The Dotzels were and still are amazing examples of Christ on Earth. I am so terribly saddened by his death. But I know angels in heaven are rejoicing.

I am so sorry to hear that Pastor Rob has passed away. Stephanie, you will remember being in Junction City, Kansas in 1983 and how much you and Rob's friendship meant to me! I was so honored when he came to my 25th Anniversary of ordination in Salina, Kansas in 2006! God bless him and you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Rob has ministered so faithfully, so wisely and so well. In him people have seen Christ Jesus. I will miss him very much.

Dear Stephanie and family,

I'm so sorry for your loss, Stephanie. Please know that people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church are praying for you and your family. Let us know if you need anything.