Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Robert C. "Bob" Sturtz, 54, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at his home.
Bob was born in Toledo, Ohio, on Oct. 26, 1951, one of three sons born to Carl Edwin and Kathleen Ann (Klewer) Sturtz.
Following high school, Bob continued his education and earned a master's degree in educational technology.
He married Mary C. Marshall on July 30, 1977, in Ann Arbor.
Bob and Mary made their home in Traverse City for the last 22 years. Bob taught at Immaculate Conception School when they first moved here, and later worked for Traverse City Area Public Schools. Bob was most recently the Supervisor of Instructional Technology at TCAPS.
An avid fly fisherman, Bob was a member of Trout Unlimited, and he enjoyed hunting as well. Bob was an environmentalist and a true advocate in protecting natural resources. In addition to his love of nature, he also appreciated a good cigar with the guys at Nolan's.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; by his children, Rachel of New York City, Tim of Seattle, Wash., and Andrew of Traverse City; by a brother, Joe of Toledo; his father-in-law, Robert (Mary) Marshall of Lake Leelanau; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Lois) Marshall of Spruce, Margaret Foster of Severna Park, Md., Dennis (Cathy) Marshall of Ann Arbor, Stephen (Shari) Marshall of Livonia, Elizabeth (Terri) Marshall of Olympia Wash., and Ann (Jeff) Marshall of Bellevue, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; by his brother, Peter; his brother-in-law, Drew; and his mother-in-law, Mary.
Visitation will take place today, Feb. 2, from 4 until 8 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fr. James Hayden will preside.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sturtz family for Andrew's education or to the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. Envelopes will be available at the visitation and Mass.
The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I just found out about Bob's passing. We were good friends and enjoyed our duck hunting adventures!! God bless you, Mike Breneman
Mike Breneman
September 01, 2017 | Bonita Springs
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and have been since I learned from cousin, Katie, years ago of Bob's challenge. Katie was so proud of Bob and his family. I am in touch with your Aunt Ginny and remember visiting at Bob's home when we were all kids with my family, Bob Miller's. I wish you peace and love,
Sue (Miller) Kimple
February 18, 2007 | Peoria, IL
Mary I am so sorry I did not know about Bob. Katie keep us updated and we all felt we knew him.
God Bless
sr netter
Bonnie Ferrell
February 11, 2007 | Fife Lake, MI
I was lucky to have Bob as a teacher at I.C. middle shcool, many years ago. Bob made teaching fun and had many effective ways of reaching kids. Although I was probably not one of his best academic scholars,Bob had bigger plans for me! He went out of his way many weekends to let a young kid tag along with him on the rivers he fished,teaching me about entomology, fly fishing and life. He was always willing to lend me his books on bugs and fishing and instilled in me the practice of always...
Jeff Jennings
February 10, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
Mary, Rachel, Tim & Andrew,
Bob was so many things to so many people. Son, teacher, husband, father and friend. His love of life, family and the outdoors is his legacy. During the difficult days ahead, may you find comfort in your many happy memories together.
My deepest sympathy to all of you, may God Bless you and comfort you as you struggle with your loss.
You are in my prayers,
Jane (Church)
Jane Kaiser
February 08, 2007 | Tiffin, OH
Dear Sturtz Family members:
Bob Sturtz was a simply remarkable and wonderful teacher. In addition to our son Tim Emling's thoughts shared with you...our favorite parents' memory comes from Tim's very first day at TC East Junior High and in 7th grade science class with Mr. Sturtz. Tim proudly wore his Michigan State University sweatershirt to school. Seated toward the back of science class that day, Mr. Sturtz called on Tim with his hand raised to answer a question: "Yes, you...
Tom & Diane Emling
February 06, 2007 | Traverse City
One of my all time favorite teachers. I remember him teaching us about inertia by strapping a kid to a chair on wheels and pushing him hard across the classroom... and then of course he would throw a fake rock and put bugs inside jello molds... He let me write a children's book instead of making a bug collection. What a great, great person. I remember how he would beam when he talked about his family - and his fast little running daughter. Rachel, my thoughts are with you and I am sincerely...
Mary Clare O'Brien
February 06, 2007 | Washington
Rachel and Sturtz Family,
You are all in my prayers. I will surely miss Mr. Sturtz. He was an amazing person and teaher who always kept you laughing.
Sarah Kok (Hastings)
February 06, 2007 | Lynden, WA
Tim, Rachel and Family-
Over the years some of my memories of 7th grade science class have faded, but the impact of Mr. Sturtz both to me, and anyone lucky enough to have been graced by his presence hasn't. He was a great man, I know that is clear to your family, but I hope you realize how much he meant to so many. Let me know if there is anything I can do...
Tim Emling
February 05, 2007 | Aspen, CO
