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Robert Williams Obituary
Jan 10, 1949 – Aug 12, 2009
Omaha, NE. Born in Iowa City, IA to Florence and R. Alan Williams. He was the second of three sons and one daughter. Bob was proud of achieving Eagle Scout and being a three-year starter for the Iowa State University football team. After graduating from ISU in 1972, Bob was promptly hired by the Millard School District as a history teacher and football coach. During this time, in 1993, he earned his PhD in Education-Administration, Curriculum, Supervision and Instruction from UNL. Throughout his career, Bob was repeatedly named as "Teacher of the Year" by students for his passionate and inspiring approach to learning. A professional highlight was teaching AP Psychology students. After 33 successful years, he retired from Millard South High School. Bob and Lynn (Ruser) Williams recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Bob and Lynn shared a love of family, athletics and travel, often planning vacations around visits with relatives and golf outings. Bob was preceded in death by mother, Florence R. Williams; mother-in-law, I. Maxine Ruser. He is survived by wife, Lynn Williams; father, R. Alan Williams, Des Moines; siblings, Alan Williams, Carmel, CA, Barb (Williams) Tarpley and husband, Dr. Gary Tarpley, Madison, WI, and Dr. Steven M. Williams, Omaha; nephews and nieces, Chad Tarpley and wife, Christie Tarpley and their son, Will, Kalamazoo, MI, Lindsay Tarpley Snow and husband, B.J. Snow, Hermosa Beach, CA, Josh Tarpley, Madison, WI, Jason Williams, Minneapolis, MN, Ben Williams, Providence, RI, and Carrie Williams, Los Angeles; father-in-law, N. Dale Ruser; brother-in-law, Scott Ruser and wife, Cathy Ruser; sister-in-law, Barbara Ruser and mate, Dr. Michael Sesseman, all of Omaha. These are in addition to his extended family and many dear friends.
A "Celebration of Bob's Life" will be held on Sat., 8/29/09, at 2pm at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific, with a fellowship/social gathering to follow. Guests are encouraged to bring memories to share with Bob's family. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the Millard Foundation to establish a scholarship in Bob's name (Bob Williams Scholarship). HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 391-3900
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Williams
Lynn Williams
September 15, 2009
Bob's family, my family and I want to express our deepest appreciation for sharing all of your wonderful thoughts and memories about him. Your prayers, friendship,love and support have comforted us.
Please know that Bob was so grateful for having you in his life. You inspired him and you will carry on his legacy. We will never forget his enthusiasm and zest for life, his ability to see the good in everyone and to inspire you to be your best, his skill in getting you to learn without having to work at it, his masterful story telling to make a point coupled with getting you to laugh mostly at something crazy that he did, his ability to make you feel better about yourself and that you and your goals/dreams were important to him (because they were), and his love of teaching, family and being with others. He made everyone feel important which is a rare and unique talent. Actually, you have expressed his qualities and character much better than I. Thank you so much!
Bob was my best friend and I have a huge hole in my heart that will never be filled. I miss him so much, but I am so fortunate that he chose me to share his life and I am looking forward to the time that we will be reunited. Until then, Bobby is my guiding angel and I hope to sustain his inspiration.
Words will never adequately express our gratitude for your memories of Bob and for your support. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I love to hear your stories about him. Our Love to You - Lynn Williams and Family
eileen Crone
September 4, 2009
Mr. Williams was a super fun teacher.
eileen (Niland) Crone
Millard Class of '81
Arlon Benson
September 1, 2009
My connection with Bob goes back to Washington HS in Cherokee, Ia, and later when Bob was at Iowa State and I was at Drake. Bob's enthusiasm and love of life was irrepressible. He was a good friend and I am certain he was a tremendous teacher. The world is diminished by his passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Kristin Voller-Gray
August 31, 2009
I took Docs class twice, the second time I didnt even get credit for it! I took it because Dr. Williams was a remarkable man, he was kind, funny, smart. No matter what problem you had you could always talk to Doc. He helped shape me to who I am today. I loved Dr. Williams as a Mentor and Friend, I am deeply saddened by his passing. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife and family.
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Amanda Ladas
August 31, 2009
Bob was always so full of life and laughter when he would visit us in Chicago. So supportive of every endeavor I shared with him. I will miss sitting on the patio with him every 4th of July. He will be missed. My thoughts are with all of his family.
Amanda Ladas
Chicago
August 30, 2009
My sons took Doc Williams class at Millard South and praised him as a great guy and excellent teacher. I could see why when I met him at parent/teacher conferences. He really touched the kids. Our condolences to the family. Gloria Becker-Rial (Pettit family)
August 30, 2009
Bob was in my class at Cherokee High School. You just knew he was destined to have a great life even back then. He was ahead of the rest of us at the time and was kind,considerate, and passionately involved in what interested him.
Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Linda Knutson Ambrose
August 30, 2009
Dear Lynn and Family,
The memorial ceremony was beautiful and
emotional and moments of great humor.
A church full of family and friends is a great testament.
Sincerely,
Sonya
Lucie (Wilson) Ripley
August 29, 2009
This man truly inspired me to become a teacher. He always went above and beyond for his students. He helped to create students who loved to learn because it was clear that he loved having us there. He will be greatly missed...All of my thoughts and prayers are with his family...
Terry & Linda Burkhart
August 29, 2009
My husband and I went to high school with Bob. He was a terrific person even way back then! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Christi Ballard
August 29, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of the of his passing. He was a one of a kind teacher who made us all feel individual and special. I will never forget the lessons he taught me in class. And, even more, I will always cherish the lessons he taught me about being a person. He was truly one of a kind.
C Ballard
Amy N.
August 28, 2009
I can vividly remember Dr. Williams teaching my psychology class at milliard south. He was an excellent teacher and role model for us. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends.
sean vaughan
August 28, 2009
so sad to hear, he really made class fun and interesting, I dont know anyone who did not like him as a teacher. There arent many who had as much passion and patience for teaching , he was one of the great ones and will be remembered always
Heather Vaughan
August 28, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Williams...my husband and I both had him as a teacher over 20 years ago... Our thoughts and prayers are with u and your family.
Bob Headlee
August 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family.Bob was a great person, and teacher. He will be greatly missed.
Jill (Jackes) Bartosh & Family
August 27, 2009
Lynn,
We were so sad to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing how many of us love you and Bob. I will forever hold you dear to my heart.
With much love...
August 27, 2009
many of bobs isu teammates are just finding out about his tragic death. we enjoyed seeing him at the lettermans gathering each year in ames. he was a great teammate and started the succesful run under johnny majors..our thoughts and prayers are with his .family ..jerry fiat joe marconi tom hilden and craig boller
Debbie Maschino
August 27, 2009
Lynn,
I was saddended to read about Bob. May you find comfort in the memories the two of you made together.
Jamie Seeman
August 26, 2009
Dr. Williams was truly one of the most passionate teachers that I ever had. He wasn't worried about you sitting still, in the right seat. He was worried about the conversation had and all that you were able to learn in class through conversation in addition to the regular classroom. I will always remember him as a carefree teacher that cared about everyone individually and made those personal connections to help you learn and grow. I hope to, as a teacher, make as great of an impact as Dr. Williams made on me. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Liz Forman
August 26, 2009
I had Dr. Williams for Psychology and AP Psychology in the late 90s. They were two of my favorite classes, and he was one of my favorite teachers. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for one of my scholarships that helped me receive a full-ride to a Nebraska college. I am forever grateful to Dr. Williams for his encouragement and help in being granted such a scholarship. He will be greatly missed!
Gracia Wilson
August 25, 2009
Words of comfort simply cannot meet the magnitude of your loss. You are held close in the thoughts and prayers of many caring hearts. I was a student at Millard South (Class of 2005) and enjoyed having him as a teacher. He was full of great stories and knowledge pertaining to all the latest information in the field. The most unique thing was that he had the most innovative education methods... One time he even went bowling in the hallway! Rest in Peace Doc. You will be greatly missed.
August 25, 2009
Lynn and Family,
We are saddened by the news of your loss. Just know that we have always held you and your family close. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty Struthers
August 25, 2009
Lynn,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynne Elwood
Kim Bolte
August 24, 2009
Great teacher! I graduated from Millard in '77 amd he was one of the few teachers that put up with me crap. lol! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kim Bolte
Jessie Klein Metz
August 24, 2009
I can't believe that Doc is gone. What a wonderful man he was. I was lucky enough to have him as my advisor throughout high school. He is one of my favorite teachers that I have ever had. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Leslie Doepke
August 24, 2009
Dear Lynn,
I just received word of Bob's death. I am so sorry. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Our conversation last summer allowed me to see what a special relationship the two of you enjoyed. May the memories you made together, your faith, and the peace that only HE can give comfort and sustain you at this difficult time.
Love,
Leslie (Brown) Doepke
Dave Semerad
August 24, 2009
Bob and I played high school football against each other, he at Westside, me at Archbishop Ryan. Later, we worked together at the Omaha Stockyards while we were in college. He was a good guy and hard worker. Our prayers are with Lynn and the entire family.
Kara Schweiss
August 24, 2009
As a Millard South student in the '80s, I remember Bob Williams as an unusually talented and inspiring educator who was always sincere, kind and thoughtful...a truly fine human being. My deepest sympathies to his wife, family and friends and the hope that happy memories of Bob will be a comfort now and in the future.
John Kundel
August 23, 2009
Lynn and Family,
All of us loved Bob. He truly was one of the nice guys of the world. I will always remember playing spirited golf,football and volleyball with him at family reunions and teasing him about the Cyclones. He loved his "whole big family", whether related or not. When Devon and I were at UNK, we both heard from his former students about how GREAT Bob was as a teacher, man and mentor. What a legacy!!! Our prayers are with you.
Love,
John and Devon
Michelle Wehrly
August 23, 2009
Dr. Williams is a teacher that will always stick out in my mind. He was so passionate about teaching and he was very inspiring. Dr Williams did not care what crowd you ran with, he treated every student with care and respect. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Trish Cockle Billotte
August 21, 2009
Dear Lynn,
After reading all of the heart-felt thoughts about Bob, I am sorry to say I never knew him. It sounds like the two of you shared a wonderful life together and hopefully that will help you get through this difficult time. My thoughts and love are with you, Lynn.
Tim Griffin
August 21, 2009
I was very fortunate to have Bob as a teacher in the late 70's right after I moved to Millard. The out of school activities were great - breakfast with students at your house, and running a couple of races with him. He will be missed by many, many people.
August 20, 2009
Lynn and Family,
I had the true pleasure of teaching with Bob. He had the talent to treat everyone with respect and a smile. I always felt special when talking with him and always enjoyed watching him interacting with the students. He had so many talents, and as I have aged am very thankful that wonderful men like Bob stayed in the teaching profession. We all have benefited from what he taught which was so much more than from the book! I truly know that he is now in a wonderful place. Marilyn Andersen Haskins Rehoboth Beach, De
Susy Basheer
August 19, 2009
Dr. Williams was a caring mentor that always went above and beyond to help his students with any situation with which they were faced. He gave strength and hope to those who needed it. His passion for life and encouragement will always keep me inspired. Doc-you will ALWAYS be remembered as a great man.
Diane (Berger) McLain
August 19, 2009
Lynn, I know we have not seen each other for many years, but you have been in my thoughts all of those years. I have told my children many funny things that we did together and I treasure all of the memories. Thank you for being there for me last year with the death of my husband and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Jansen Tenopir
August 19, 2009
Bob was a great instructor and an amazing person. I not only had the privilage of having him as a teacher, but also worked with him during the adult open gym. He has been an inspiration in my life. My thought are with Lynn and family
Tom Graves
August 19, 2009
Lynn and family:
Bob and I go way back to our high school days in Cherokee, IA. We were all saddened by his family's move to Omaha his senior year. His passion for living, his enthusiasm to enjoy life, his energetic personality, his friendly smile and his friendship for a lifetime will be missed.
Terry Patton
August 18, 2009
Dr. Williams was not only a fine teacher but he did a terrific job coaching our football team. We were sophomores and we enjoyed hearing his description of his coverage of Johnny "The Jet" Rogers during the Nebraska v. Iowa State games. The bottom line is that he was an enjoyable character during our years at Millard High School.
Jill (Denkinger) Carter
August 18, 2009
I am so sad to hear the loss of Dr. Williams. He was such a wonderful teacher. I always enjoyed his classes and his personality. He had such a great passion for teaching
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Tony Pane
August 18, 2009
Those of us who were lucky enough to have taught with Bob have lost a GREAT FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE.He will be sorely missed by all,especially all of those that he taught to bowl.
Dawn Harmon-Wellman
August 17, 2009
Dr. Williams was a wonderful teacher. His enthusiasm for instructing amazed me. I can't tell you how many time he hopped up on the desk or jumped up and down to keep us enthralled. If only we could all have the passion he had for our chosen careers. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. Dr. Williams will surely be missed.
Rich & Cindy Odermatt
August 17, 2009
Lynn
We are thinking ad praying for you. Sorry for your lose. We can remember the times you and Bob would follow Nicki in sports. Thinking of you
Rich and Cindy Odermatt
Tammy Knecht-Jaffer
August 17, 2009
Bob was a great teacher and an all around great person. He touched my life as I graduated from Millard in '81 as well my siblings who followed in '83, '86 and '87. He was the most memorable teacher in that he wasn't afraid to be involved and to really help when it was needed and I thank him for that.
Kala "Graham" Hayden
August 17, 2009
I am extremely saddened by the new of Dr. Williams passing. I was a student of his at Millard South for both Psychology and AP Psychology. He served as a mentor to me and helped me obtain a degree in Psychology. Dr. Williams was always there to led a helping hand and ear. He and Lynn helped me celebrate my wedding in 2006. He will be greatly missed! Thank you Dr. Williams for everything you have done for me!
Mark Campbell
August 17, 2009
Bob was a great teacher, coach, and mentor. He will truly be missed. I know he touched and enhanced many young people's lives.
Kristi Tackett-Newburg
August 16, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Williams’ passing. I took his psychology course at Millard South back in 1994. He was one of my favorite instructors. His enthusiasm for the subject material and his teaching style sparked my interest in pursuing the psychology field, which led me to my current profession as a clinical therapist. I have always credited him as being the sole reason for studying psychology whenever I have been asked how I became interested in the field. He will be truly missed by many people. My condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
Amber Ribble
August 16, 2009
Doc will be greatly missed. He was an amazing teacher, and taught his students much more than what was in the text. Thank you Doc for all you have taught me and for the many encouraging words you gave. Lynn - Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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