Robert J. "Bob" Mottet

Robert J. "Bob" Mottet

May 15, 1926-Sept. 23, 2023

Robert J. "Bob" Mottet, 97, a beloved father, husband, and community member, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, in Maquoketa, IA. Born on May 15, 1926, in Ottumwa, IA to John and Leona (Schwartz) Mottet, Bob was known for his friendly demeanor, intelligence, and faith-filled life.

Bob completed his early education at St. Patrick's grade school and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1944. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1946 before attending the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1950. His education and military service laid a strong foundation for a successful career.

Bob began his professional journey at Shell Oil Company in Bettendorf, IA, and later moved to Minneapolis, MN. His career took a significant turn when he joined Ottumwa Hospital, where he served from 1967 to 1982. His passion for serving the community led him to become the Human Resources Director at Jackson County Public Hospital, Maquoketa, in 1982, a position he held until his retirement in 1994.

Bob's devotion to his community extended beyond his work. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the University of Illinois Alumni, and the Jackson County Historical Society. Bob was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and long-time Chicago White Sox fan, and proudly identified as a Democrat.

Beyond his professional and community service, Bob had a zest for life. He found joy in gardening, fishing, reading, music, dancing, and traveling. He cherished visiting his relatives in France and Germany, with Ireland being his favorite country to visit. A highlight of his travels was an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in September 2011, where he took immense pride in visiting the World War II Memorial. In his later years, Bob dedicated his time to delivering Meals on Wheels, further demonstrating his commitment to his community.

Bob's personal life was as rich as his professional and community service. He married Norma (Felker) Baird in 1954, and they later divorced. On November 24, 1984, he married Norma (Cahill) Schoenthaler at Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Norma; daughters Delores (John) Wellman of Bettendorf, IA, and Dianne (Dan) O'Connell of St. Louis, MO; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his stepson, Marty (Kim) Schoenthaler of Ramona, OK; five step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren with another on the way; sister-in-law Dolores Mottet of Ottumwa, IA, brother-in-law Gary Rogers of Davenport, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray, Ed, Frank, and Jim, sister Mary Rogers, and stepson Phil Schoenthaler.

A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where a 630 P.M. Scripture Service will be held. Burial with military honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County, Sacred Heart School, Maquoketa, or Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.