Huffman, Robert 'Bob'

Robert “Bob'' Huffman, a longtime resident of Iowa City who was born and raised in Wellman, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 9, 2010. Surrounded by his family, the devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was 85.

His journey through life began on Feb. 16, 1925, when Robert Duane Huffman was born to Pierre and Frances (Jarvis) Huffman. He spent his early years learning how to farm under the guidance of his grandparents, Effie and Lou Huffman, and his uncle, Dale Huffman. He was active in his high school class, serving as class president and playing trombone in a high school band that went to the national championship.

Following his high school years, Mr. Huffman spent a year working at various jobs in Los Angeles before he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. Among his many adventures in the European campaign with the 946 Quarter Masters, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Paris and the postwar resolution of Germany.

In 1950, Bob married Martha Montross Huffman and took a job writing and producing the Traer Star-Clipper, a small newspaper in Eastern Iowa. One of his early columns, “Life With Louie'' that chronicled the adventures of his first child, Bill, was a local favorite. He also served in a similar capacity with the Marengo Pioneer-Republican.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Huffman left the newspaper business after his youngest of three sons, Bobby, passed away from illness during infancy. Mr. Huffman enrolled in the University of Iowa, working for The Daily Iowan while earning his bachelor's and master's degrees with honors in social work. Following his graduation in 1965, he went to work for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City as a medical social worker specializing in treatment for Vietnam veterans.

Mr. Huffman was well-known by his family and friends for his sharp sense of humor and vast array of knowledge, a talent that earned him the nickname “the King of Jeopardy.'' He served on the board of directors at Oaknoll Retirement Home before moving to Arizona, where he also served on the board of directors for the small Phoenix community of Ahwatukee.

When he wasn't spending time with his grandchildren at his summer home in Millersburg, he was an avid reader and superior bridge player. Bob loved to make fudge, listen to “Lawrence Welk'' and attend Iowa Hawkeye basketball games.

In 2005, Mr. Huffman returned to Iowa City, where he spent his final years with his wife, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by Martha, his life partner of 60 years; sons, Bill Huffman of Tempe, Ariz., and David Huffman of San Marcos, Texas; daughter, Jane Rachel Hammer of Atlanta, Ga. (husband, Michael); and sister, Judie Pinch of Phoenix. His grandchildren include Kristen Huffman, Sky Huffman, (wife, Kristina) and Meghan Huffman; Robert Hammer (wife, Jennifer), Benjamin Hammer and Carson Hammer; and Charlotte Huffman and Aimee Huffman. His great-grandchildren include Michael and Madeline Hammer.

Along with his son, Bobby, Mr. Huffman was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Harriet Jane Jamison.

The family suggests memorials be made to either the North Liberty, Iowa City or Solon libraries which were very helpful to Mr. Huffman after he lost his sight and his ability to read books, providing him with audiotapes. The family also would like to make a special acknowledgment to the wonderful care he received from Pathways Adult Care Center as well as Iowa City Hospice.

A graveside service, with full military honors, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12, at 1:30 p.m. at the Millersburg (Iowa) Community Cemetery. The family will receive visitors following the service in the parlor of the Millersburg United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to Robert's family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Robert's family and his services.