Robert Gish

Robert H. Gish, 65, of Bettendorf, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004, at his home. Services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004, at Runge Mortuary, Davenport, with visitation Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for future endowment. Burial is in Pine Hill Cemetery.
Bob was born on April 14, 1938, to Alfred and Myrtle (Thomsen) Gish in Clinton, Iowa. He married Jane Sladek on Aug. 5, 1961, in Iowa City, Iowa. He graduated from St. Ambrose University in 1961, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and later received a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Iowa.
Bob started his 42 year career teaching at a Davenport elementary school while earning his degree. He taught in Wheatland Iowa from 1961-1964. He then taught music in Racine, Wis., from 1964 to 1979. After moving to Bettendorf, he became the Director of Instrumental Music for the Bettendorf Community School System, retiring in the year 2000. Throughout his teaching career, Bob influenced and encouraged many students to continue to enrich their lives with music. He was a loving father and a dear friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was a member of the National Education Association; Iowa Bandmaster's Association; Bettendorf Education Association; University of Iowa Alumni Association and St. Ambrose University Alumni Association, Music Educator's National Conference.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jane; daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Kelly Qualls, Irving, Texas, Elizabeth and Steve Matera, Alexandria, Va., and Tracy and Rick Rogers, Davenport; sons and fiancés, Bob Gish, Bettendorf, Kevin Gish and Monica Elles, Davenport, Greg Gish and Kristy Dana, Missoula, Mont.; grandchildren, Jordan Miles, Lillian Gish, and Kaitlyn and Sarah Rogers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard.