Robert V. Formanek Sr.

MENDON, Ill. -- Robert V. Formanek Sr., 96, of Keystone, Iowa, died Feb. 12, 2014, in the Keystone Nursing Care Center.

He was born Sept. 2, 1917, in Chicago, the son of John M. and Catherine Spinka Formanek. On July 4, 1941, he married the love of his life, Jean K. Erbe. She survives.

Robert graduated from Morton High School in Chicago with the class of 1936. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on a baseball scholarship, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor's degree in education. During summer breaks, he pitched semi-professional baseball for several teams in the M&J League.

He entered the military in 1942 to serve in World War II as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

In 1946, Bob returned to the University of Iowa where he obtained a master's degree in school administration. He was an educator at heart and enjoyed teaching science and mathematics in Elwood, Iowa, North English, Iowa, and New Hartford, Iowa. He realized his goal of becoming a school administrator when he accepted appointments to the position of superintendent of schools in Ackley, Iowa, and subsequently in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Mendon, Ill., and New Hartford. He retired in 1980 but continued to remain active in the community and within the educational system. He led a productive life, believing strongly in the merits of hard work.

Robert was a member of United Methodist Church, American Association of School Administrators, Rotary Club and Geyer-Becker American Legion Post No. 660.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bridge, tending his vegetable garden and playing golf. He loved teaching and coaching and is admired, respected and warmly remembered for his dedication to his students and players. His integrity and commitment to high standards of performance was exemplary.

In addition to his wife, Jean K. Formanek, survivors include a son, Dr. Robert V. Formanek Jr., and his wife, Janet, of Orinda, Calif., and a daughter, Katha J., and her husband, Vezio Ricciardi, of St. John, Virgin Islands; and two grandchildren, Kara Formanek of Alameda, Calif., and John R. Formanek of San Francisco.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the many caregivers, staff and friends at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Keystone Nursing Care Center and Hospice Compassus of Cedar Rapids for their compassionate and professional care.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, Honor Flight, Cedar Rapids; United Methodist Church, New Hartford; Western Home Communities, Cedar Falls; Keystone Nursing Care Center; or Hospice Compassus.

ARRANGEMENTS: Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids.