Eppel, Robert James

Robert James Eppel, 84, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, where a visitation will be Friday from 4 until 7:30 p.m. Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Bob was born to Vincent and Pearl (Mittman) Eppel on Feb. 9, 1927, in Muscatine, Iowa. He graduated from Muscatine High School and enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After the war he graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College and received his master's degree from the University of Iowa.

He retired after 36 years in the Cedar Rapids school system, serving as teacher and principal. Bob transitioned to volunteering and teaching computer to seniors at the Witwer Center and the City Recreation Commission.

In addition, he served 12 years as a board member on the Grant Wood AEA Board. Most recently his passion included teaching ESL to community members through his church; he was a firm believer of lifelong learning.

Bob was very active at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, enjoyed his family, friends, fishing, traveling, photography, telling jokes and fellowship in numerous groups, one being the gourmet group of 40 years.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue; children, Jan (Mike) Nelson of Minneapolis, Jim (Jane) of St. Peters, Mo., and Julie (Paul) Copping of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Jaci (Tim) Skiba, Stefanie (Sam) Fortin, Lucas Eppel and Jacob Eppel; sister-in-law, Diane Toussaint; nephew, John (Sue), and their children, Elizabeth and Ted Toussaint; niece, Carol (Dave), and their son, Sean Gannon; and a great-grandchild, Benjamin Skiba.

Please leave a message for the family on the Web page  under obituaries.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

Published Jan. 12, 2012, in The Gazette