Kretzschmar, Dr. Robert

Dr. Robert Kretzschmar, 83, of Coralville, died Thursday, July 14, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, following heart failure. Celebration of life services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington, with the Rev. Herb Yoder officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church on Sunday. Private family interment, with military honors conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29, will be at a later date in Elm Grove Cemetery, Washington. Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington is handling arrangements.

Bob was born Feb. 1, 1928, in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Dr. Norman and Mildreth F. (Addison) Kretzschmar. He attended Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, where he was quarterback for the high school football team. After high school Bob joined the United States Army and served as a Military Policeman in Italy.

He then attended the University of Michigan College of Medicine in Ann Arbor, completing five years of residency training in Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Bob was an associate professor at the University of Iowa Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was also professor and chair at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

During his years in medicine, Bob brought new lives and joy into countless families. He held many leadership roles throughout his life. Bob's career was his celebration of life.

His friends also knew him as an enthusiastic golfer, fisherman, and turkey hunter. Bob and Susan enjoyed vacationing in Florida and Aspen, Color.

His memory is honored by his wife, Susan Conner Kretzschmar of Coralville; son, Jim Kretzschmar and wife Julie and their children, Matthew, Kristopher and wife Jaclyn, Britt and Chad, of Iowa City; daughter, Jane Worstall and husband John of Coralville; son, Randy Kretzschmar and wife Cindy and their children, Alex and Katie, of Milwaukee, Wis.; as well as two nephews and two nieces. Bob's dogs, Kirby and Frisco, will miss him very much.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Dr. William Kretzschmar.

Memorials have been established for the University of Iowa Foundation Palliative Care Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the Heart and Vascular Center.

Online condolences may be sent for Bob's family through the web at