Robert Potter van Wormer

Robert "Bob" van Wormer January 13, 1943-February 9, 2026. Born in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Ronald and Iva Moore Potter, Robert grew up as the middle child with brothers Ron and Jim. An avid reader as a child, Robert spent much of his time at the local library. Years later his time spent reading his set of encyclopedias and regular use of the dictionary was to fare him well as a book editor. There was rarely a word in the English language he could not define or spell. In addition, he possessed a detailed understanding of history. He earned a degree in sociology at Western Kentucky University in 1970. This was where he met his wife Katherine, not in the classroom but in the protest campaign against the war in Vietnam. The two of them maintained their peace activism most of their lives and attended Quaker meetings where they were available.

Robert’s activism extended to his lifelong interest in and advocacy for passenger train service through membership in the Rail Passenger’s Association, Bring Back the Trains organization, and High-Speed Rail Alliance. During the time he and his family lived in Norway, he regularly took train trips in Scandinavia as well as throughout Europe. Photography was another great passion of his, and he blessed family and friends through his remarkable ability to capture key moments in their lives.

Robert and Katherine married in 1972 and had two children, Flora and Rupert. Robert devoted himself to baby and childcare, cooking, and editing his wife’s research articles and books. In 1990, returning from Norway, he moved with the family back to his home state, this time to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they happily lived until the joy of grandparenting called them to Madison, Wisconsin. Again, sharing his love of children, Robert played a major role in infant and childcare.

Even as his Parkinson’s disease progressed, Robert maintained his devotion to his family as his number one priority in life, intently enjoying his daughter and grandchildren’s musical performances, and sharing his love of literature and history with the kids. For example, when Heshel was reading Gulliver’s Travels, “Boppa,” as he was known to the kids, was happy to explain the obsolete terms of 18th century sailing vessels and how they worked.

Robert is survived by his wife, Katherine, daughter Flora of Madison, son Rupert (and daughter-in-law, London) of Salem, Oregon, and grandsons, Heshel and Zusya, all with the last name of van Wormer. 

Because of the scattering of friends and relatives, a hybrid celebration of Robert’s life will take place sometime in March.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd    Madison

608-238-3434