Obituary of Robert Keith Courtney

Robert “Keith” Courtney

Courtney, who was variously called Keith, RK and Courtney went by the name of Robert only when dealing with lawyers and medical teams. Courtney was born July 15, 1943 and died Saturday, November 29, 2025. 

Courtney was the son of E. Glen and Donna (Keith) Courtney, of Delhi, Iowa. He married Bu Wilson in Cedar Falls on March 20, 1978 and the couple moved to Iowa City the following year.

Courtney was born at the Family Unit of Camp LeJuene, North Carolina. He grew up in Delhi, Iowa and then attended UNI, receiving an MA in Arts/Painting.

At Iowa City, Courtney worked for the University Libraries. In 1985, an aneurism caused a major stroke that left him permanently disabled. He continued to enjoy life, volunteering first at the Public Library and quickly enrolling in the MFA program at the University where he took classes for many years. Courtney’s art work was displayed many times in Iowa, most frequently at Waterloo and Iowa City.

Courtney was he was active in Arts Iowa City and many informal drawing groups. In later years he also was active at the Iowa City Zen Center. In January 2014 Courtney was ordained a Soto Zen priest and given the additional name of Myogen.

In recent years, Courtney has resided at Iowa City Rehab, although he returned to his home at 1110 E. College as often as he was able.

Courtney leaves behind his wife and two brothers-in-law, John Wilson of Ames and Richard Wilson of Colo, Iowa, as well as numerous cousins. Courtney is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Curtis Courtney. 

His remains have been cremated and will be scattered according to family wishes. No memorial service is planned at this time.