Patrick Roby

PATRICK M. ROBY

Cedar Rapids

Patrick M. Roby, 70, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, at his home in Cedar Rapids. Funeral service: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pat was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, on April 7, 1947, to Oliver C. Roby and Paulette Fontaine Roby. He was the oldest of four boys. His father fought in World War II, and his boys spent much of their childhood in their mother's native France. Pat spoke fluent French, and treasured his family in Normandy.

Pat attended Upper Iowa College on a basketball scholarship (B.A. 1969); and received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1972. In 1969, he married his wife of 48 years, Claudette Ann Kaeberle. In 1973, their daughter, Paula, was born. In 1977, they welcomed their son, Daniel. Pat was admitted to practice law in 1972, and joined the firm of Shuttleworth and Ingersoll, where he became a partner in the firm. In 1993, he joined the firm of Elderkin and Pirnie as a senior partner. In 2000, his daughter Paula also joined the firm, and they tried many cases together. Pat's passions in life were his family and the practice of law. He was a giant of a man, both in stature and spirit. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, whose sense of humor, laugh and zest for life were legendary.

Pat passed peacefully in his home with the love of his life by his side. He was preceded in death by his only son, Daniel, as well as his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Claudette; his daughter and partner, Paula; his son-in-law, Roy Nowers; his beloved grandchildren, Colette and Jack Nowers; and his three brothers, Ed Roby (Maryna), Bob Roby (LuAnn) and The Hon. William Roby (Laurie). He will be forever missed.

Pat's skills as a trial lawyer were unparalleled. He mentored and inspired many lawyers during his practice. He was a tireless advocate for his clients and excelled in jury trials. In addition to his distinguished career as a trial layer, he was a proud Fellow of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers and The American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also a member of Advisory Committee Rules of Civil Procedure, Iowa Supreme Court, 1981-87; Special Committee on Discovery, 1986-88, independent counsel, Iowa Senate Ethics Committee, 1992, the Linn County, Iowa State and American Bar Association. Defense Counsel Association (president, 1988-89); International Association of Defense Counsel; American Board of Trial Advocates (president, Iowa Chapter 1989-93); Defense Research Institute. He was frequently honored as a Superlawyer, and as one of the Best Lawyers in America.

A memorial fund has been established in Pat's name.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.