Robert L. Tujetsch

1929 - 2025

Robert Lawrence Tujetsch, 96, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away at the 3:00 p.m. hour of Divine Mercy and was born into Eternal Life on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Born on July 14, 1929, in Guttenberg, Iowa, Robert was the fourth son of five children born to Lawrence and Hildegard (Berns) Tujetsch. His best childhood memories were those of working with his family in his father's grocery store. He enjoyed boating, swimming, and fishing in the Mississippi River with family and friends. Robert participated in boxing and excelled at a competitive level. His youth was spent at dances at Lakeside Ballroom, Guttenberg, Iowa, where some of the most popular Big Bands of the 1930s and 1940s performed.

Upon graduation from St. Mary's High School, Guttenberg, Iowa, in 1946, Robert enrolled at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. Following his first year of college, Robert worked for the United States Postal Service for three years.

When the Korean War began, Robert enlisted to serve in the United States Navy with the Naval Air Systems Command. The Fighter Squadron Unit that Robert was assigned to served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) in the South Pacific. His tour of duty included extended time in Japan. Robert was awarded medals of honor which included: Présidential Unit Citation Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Medal, and the Republic of Korea Service Medal. He was very patriotic, loved this country, and served the United States Navy with distinction.

At the conclusion of the Korean War, Robert continued his collegiate studies at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. In 1957, he received his Bachelor Degree in Labor and Management from the University of Iowa.

On June 28, 1958, Robert married Bettie Herman, of Sigourney, Iowa, after meeting her at Mass in Iowa City, Iowa. The two shared the same birthday, July 14, 1929, and celebrated their special day together the duration of their 67 years of marriage.

In 1959, Robert received his first Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Iowa. A second Master's degree followed, in 1976, from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Robert was President and CEO of St. Francis Hospital, Waterloo, Iowa. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the hospital. After receiving his second Master's Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1976, Robert accepted the position of Administrator of Student Health Services at the University of Northern Iowa.

Robert was a lifelong member of St. Edward Catholic Church and a daily communicant. He served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, altar server, volunteer, Resurrection Choir Member, and a member of both church and school boards at St. Edward Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Amvets, Elks Club, and Waterloo Technical Society.

Robert was a great dancer, had a passion for the Big Band music of the 1930s and 1940s, and loved to dance with his dance partner Bettie. He was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and filled the home with the sound of his voice singing along to his favorite songs of the 1930s and 1940s. He was a gifted photographer, great cook, expert fisherman, and avid reader. He had a great interest in different countries and cultures of the world so after retirement, Robert and Bettie fulfilled their dream by traveling extensively.

Robert's deep faith in God sustained him throughout his life. He loved the Lord and dedicated his life to Him. He sacrificed to provide a Catholic education for all of his daughters. He was the provider and protector of the family, loved beyond measure, and a hero. He was a devoted, loving husband and wonderful father. Robert will be greatly missed and the family requests prayers for Robert.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife Bettie, four daughters: Dr. Mary Tujetsch (Timothy Christiana), Sue Tujetsch-Miller (Kevin Miller), Judy Letteri, Nancy Taylor (Dr. David Taylor), and sister Alice Neely (Keith Neely).

Robert was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Bobby Miller (deceased), Megan Childers (Matthew Childers), Sydney Miller, Katie Miller, Mary Miller, Dr. Nicholas Letteri, Matthew Letteri (Morgan Letteri), Michael Letteri, Jacob Letteri (deceased), Nicole Gill (David Gill II), and Jonathan Taylor.

Robert is survived by five great-grandchildren: Bradley Letteri, Reed Letteri, Maverick Letteri, David Gill III, Cole Gill, and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Hildegard Tujetsch, brothers: Eugene Tujetsch (Mary Tujetsch), Jerome Tujetsch (Adele Tujetsch), Leon Tujetsch, and grandsons: Bobby Miller and Jacob Letteri.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Home, West Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa, on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, Waterloo, Iowa, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Reverend Thomas McDermott will preside over the Mass. Reverend Greg Lambert will concelebrate the Mass.

Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa.