Obituary of Robert B. Norton

Robert B. “Bob” Norton, age 82 longtime Iowa City educator and coach died Sunday, April 24, 2022, surrounded by his family while at the Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County. Robert B. Norton was born April 22, 1940, in Forrest City, Iowa the son of D.J. and Amy (Azeltine) Norton. His family moved to the area in 1952. He graduated from Tiffin High School in 1958 as class valedictorian. He then attended and graduated from the State University of Iowa in 1962. As a freshman athlete at the University, he was the recipient of the Scholarship Cup for his academic achievement. He played on the baseball team four years lettering his senior year. Bob’s first love was for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bob’s life was a reflection of the love God poured out on him through Jesus. On August 20, 1967, he married Carolyn Ann Micklick in Corwith, Iowa. Carolyn was the love of his life and best friend through 54 years of marriage. He loved his two sons, Mark and Richard, and his extended family. Bob was grateful for everyone in his life who helped point him to Jesus. Bob’s desire for his life was that all would see Jesus in him and through him. Bob began a long and exemplary teaching and coaching career at Regina High School in 1962. In the classroom or on the court, Bob left his mark with many students, players, families, and fans. While at Regina, he taught a variety of subjects including, P.E., health, science, and history. He served as Athletic Director from 1969-1979, and Head Boys Basketball Coach from 1964-1979. He coached Regina to the State Tournament in Basketball in 1972, 1976, 1978, and 1979, winning state titles three times. Bob was named S.E. Iowa Coach of the Year in 1976, 1978 and 1979. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Bob coached baseball for seven years, football, and varsity girls basketball for one year. Bob was named National Catholic Educator of the Year in 1979 and was inducted into the inaugural 2000 Regina Hall of Fame. In 1982 Bob began the second phase of his career as an educator, coaching at West High School, and teaching American History and coaching at Northwest Junior High. Bob received the Don Taft Memorial Junior High Award in 1993. He retired in 2005 full of cherished memories of the thousands of students and colleagues that he was blessed to work with over the course of his 43 years as an educator and coach. Bob loved God’s creation and was an avid outdoorsman. In retirement he enjoyed many outdoor adventures with his wife Carolyn, camping and fishing in the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area, trout fishing in northeast Iowa, and camping near Decorah. He always enjoyed caring for his dogs, loved to laugh, and was known for his sense of humor. His family includes his wife, Carolyn; their two sons, Mark and Richard Norton; sister-in-law, Connie Norton; nephews, Randy Norton (Claire) and Terry Norton (Debbie); niece Cheri Amelon (John) and many great nephews and nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Richard “Dick” Norton; in-laws, John & Bertha Micklick and brother-in-law, Robert Micklick. Visitation is Thursday April 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Parkview Church in Iowa City. Funeral Services will be held Friday April 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Parkview Church with an additional visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bob’s memory to either, Iowa City Hospice, Bird House-Hospice Home of Johnson County, Parkview Church or Compass Church of North Liberty.