Robert William "Bill" Field
Robert William "Bill" Field
Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Field Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
A Celebration of Life service for Bill will be held at 11am, Saturday, November 19th, at New Life Community Church, 1703 2nd Street, Coralville. A private graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation website @ www.gayandciha.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bill's memory to: Iowa Raptor Project Fund; The R. William Field Memorial Scholarship Fund; or New Life Community Church.
Robert William Field was born January 31, 1954, in Lancaster, PA, the son of Arthur "Skip" and Jacqueline (Shade) Field. On January 7, 1978, Bill married Elizabeth Hirak in Lancaster, PA. The couple resided in Elizabethtown, PA at the time of the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear accident. Bill's lifelong interest in the health effects of radiation began with his determination to measure the level of radioactive iodine released into the environment from TMI. His first scientific publication reported on his survey of the 131I levels in thyroids of meadow voles that he trapped around TMI and led to his MA degree in Biology from Millersville University. The couple moved to California in 1981, and Bill worked as a Health Physicist for the University of California, Berkeley until he suffered disabling encephalopathy from an accidental, work-related exposure to multiple neurotoxins. Upon moving to Iowa City in 1986 Bill devoted himself to raising their twins as he convalesced. Through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Bill started taking graduate classes at The University of Iowa in 1989 and completed his PhD in Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health in 1994. Bill joined the faculty at The University of Iowa in 1998. After his retirement in January 2022, Bill continued research on radon-related health effects as Professor of Clinical Reproductive Sciences, Columbia University, New York.
Bill is recognized internationally for his expertise in radon and radiation health effects. He served on the Presidential Advisory Board for Radiation and Worker Health till his death. He served on other national and World Health Organization boards during his career. He established the Occupational Epidemiology Training Program at The University of Iowa College of Public Health. He worked with professional organizations to improve radon testing and to educate the public on health risks from radon. Above all, he was a compassionate mentor who delighted in guiding his students towards independent careers in public health.
Bill's family includes his wife, Liz; their children, Daniel Field (Kristen Coleman), Kathryn Reasner (Richard Reasner) and David Field; five grandchildren, Riley, Haley, Emmett, Aiden and Aubree; brother, Samuel Field (Carol Field); niece, Michelle and nephew, Mike.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jessica Sieren
November 21, 2022
My condolences to Bill's family. I met Bill through his work as a recognized leader in his field. I appreciated so much how Bill was always willing to share his enthusiasm, time, ideas, and discussion with others. He will be missed.
Jim Torner
November 19, 2022
Bill was a wonderful scientist, colleague and mentor to many. He inspired through his wisdom, motivation and forward thinking. I will miss his advice and willingness to take on challenges. His research in radon led to changing practices and policies and saved numerous people from cancer. He was one of the jewels in the history of the College of Public Health. My sympathy to Liz and family and to those he inspired to follow in his footsteps.
Patrick O´Shaughnessy
November 19, 2022
A wonderful colleague, but more importantly, a wonderful person through and through. I had the honor of working with Bill for many years. My life was enriched by that association. My condolences to all who loved him.
Niclette Kibibi
November 18, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to you Liz, Katie, Dan and Dave,
I am one of the many people whose life was made better because of Bill´s guidance, mentorship and kindness. Bill introduced me to the University of Iowa and made sure that I felt home even when I was away from family and friends. He was one of the rarest people who always made time for his students, who listened without judgement and who brainstormed solutions with poise. I will miss his check-in emails, his wit and ever positive vibe. I am forever grateful for the generosity your entire family showed me over the years.
While regrettably I can´t be at his celebration of life tomorrow, I will take the time to reflect on the times we spent together and say a prayer for healing for your all.
May God continue to comfort you,
Niclette Kibibi
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dan Steck
November 18, 2022
Liz, Katie, Dan and Dave
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Bill was a great and good man. He was a skilled leader in science, education, and public health. During our work together I saw how Bill was inclusive and patient with colleagues, students, and staff. Bill was my closest scientific colleague and a cherished friend. The night we all shared a bottle of superb wine on your porch with the visitors from Georgia remains etched in my memory as one of life´s great joyful moments. Unfortunately I can´t be at Bill´s celebration of life in person but I will spend those hours thinking of Bill and celebrating his life.
Since Bill and I also shared an interest in the natural world, I made a donation to the raptor center in his memory.
Best wishes to you for brighter days ahead.
Carri Casteel
November 17, 2022
Dear Bill's Family,
A memory I'd like to share.... My husband and I went to dinner with Bill at Blackstones when I was out interviewing for the position I have now. He drove us around Iowa City, showing us the sites, and while driving he shared a personal story because he noticed I had a CDD visit on my interview agenda. I remember that moment, which was almost 10 years ago. Bill is one of the most genuine and kind people I've ever met.
Chuck Lynch
November 16, 2022
Bill was a great colleague. We collaborated over the past 30 years, primarily around residential radon and cancer. He was a gentle giant, always considerate and passionate. I will miss him. He deserved many more years of retirement than he received. My heartfelt sadness is extended to Liz, family, and friends. I will remember Bill for the substantial effort he put forth, and success he had, in reducing radon levels and their associated health effects.
Nancy Adams
November 16, 2022
There are no words that I can write that will express the profound sense of loss I feel for Bill' family. No comforting expression of sympathy seems like enough. Bill became a dear friend through our work together on the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health and also from the chance recognition that we were both Millersville University (MU) Alums. Bill was kind, soft spoken and humble. I will really miss him and our catchup dinner conversations after the Board meetings. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Fred
November 15, 2022
A profoundly sad loss for so many friends, students, colleagues, and family members.
My deepest condolences.
Fred Gerr
Colleague
Kelley J. Donham
November 14, 2022
I offer my sincere condolences to Bill's family. Like Bill, I am an Emeritus Professor in the college of Public Health. We had many conversations from professional business to working on the departmental seminar, which he coordinated. I pray and wish all of Bill's family an understanding that the publics health was made better by him.
Sincerely,
Kelley J. Donham
Victoria Menear
November 14, 2022
My condolences to all Bill's family, friends and colleagues. So hard to say goodbye to a person of his integrity, humor, kindness and warmth. I will miss his presence in my life. Everything from getting me interested in Iowa's women's basketball to sending me pics of the migrating pelicans to sharing his excitement about his grandchildren. I am grateful That I knew him. Love to you all, Vicky Menear
Eileen Fisher
November 14, 2022
To Liz and family,
I am so sad to hear about Bill's death. The first time I met Bill we were working on how to get our houses mitigated for high radon levels. Bill helped me when I was doing research for my thesis. He taught me how to collect and analyze water samples for radon. He was brilliant, kind and patient. He was also instrumental in helping me get CAFE started. Your family contributed so much to the organization's success. Many lives have been saved because of Iowa's Smoke Free Air law. Thank you for helping to pass that law. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Jim Lockey
November 14, 2022
Am so sorry for your loss. I was also born in Lancaster on Millersville Pike (1946) and took piano lessons and road my bike to Millersville at least weekly. Did not know Bill until he joined the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health. From that point on it was like old home week and Lancaster story telling. I will so miss him. Hugs to his family. Jim Lockey
Anna Proctor
November 14, 2022
To Bill's family,
I am truly sorry to hear about Bill's death. He was everything a phenomenal professor and caring mentor is supposed to be. It was an absolute privilege to have learned from him. His loss is deeply felt by the students he helped guide and I am sending prayers and condolences to his family and everyone affected by his loss.
Homa Sadeghi
November 14, 2022
Dear family,
Nothing I can say will take away this grief.
Dr. Field was my mentor in Heartland training program (University of Iowa), and also in my dissertation committee right before his retirement.
He was one of the kindest mentors I've ever had; so supportive, friendly, and always ready to help. Without his support, I wasn't able to finish my studies. For sure, I am among many students being grateful for his encouraging support.
I remember several students who were admiring his fruitful classes. He had a great sense of humor in our meetings and lectures.
He was talking about his family with love and happiness.
He continues to live on through his beloved ones and give them unbelievable strength.
Homa
Leah Wentworth
November 14, 2022
Bill served on my dissertation committee - I wrote about suicide prevention in the workplace, and though it wasn't in his discipline, he was an enthusiastic participant and really made my work better. He was so kind and easygoing during one of the hardest parts of graduate study. I will always be grateful to have had the chance to learn from him and think with him.
Judith Knabe
November 13, 2022
Dear Liz and family,
William and I are thinking of all of you today. Bill was a
wonderful father, husband, friend, and researcher. He
made such an impact on all that he touched! He was a
dear, sweet, brilliant man who will be so missed but not forgotten.
Perrie Naides
November 12, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Bill´s death. I can´t think of our time in Iowa City without thinking fondly of Bill, Liz, Katie, and Dan. What a great guy! My condolences to his wonderful family.
Vildana Tinjic
November 12, 2022
So sorry for your loss Katie. My sincere condolence to you and your family. You are sending you Prayers and love. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a well-lived life.
Katie
November 12, 2022
Love you, Dad.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240
Make a Donation
in Robert Field's name
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Field's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
