Rev. Robert (Rob) Dotzel

THE REV. ROBERT D. DOTZEL (ROB)

Iowa City

The Rev. Robert D. Dotzel (Rob) of Iowa City, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 7, 2016, with his devoted wife at his side. Rob died after a valiant effort to defeat a virulent form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. He was 62 years of age.

Rob was born on Dec. 28, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Deneen and Mary Dotzel. He attended schools in various communities in Kansas, as the family followed his father's career. Rob graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., with degrees in German, philosophy and religion. He married Stephanie Block on July 22, 1978.

In 1978, Rob and Stephanie moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Rob attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He received his M.Div. and was ordained in 1982. Rob began his career in the ministry that called him and his family to churches in Junction City, Kan., Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, and as the Lutheran campus pastor at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. In 2008, Rob also became an associate minister at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. During this time, he also taught world religions at Kirkwood Community College, which he immensely enjoyed. In 2014, Rob was called as senior pastor at Gloria Dei and was installed in July. His tenure there was cut short as a result of his illness and Rob reluctantly resigned his position in May 2015.

Rob's family includes his wife of 37 years, Stephanie; and his daughters, Krista (Paul Drechsler-Martell) and Rebekah (Adam Olesen). He is also survived by his parents, Deneen and Mary Dotzel of Topeka, Kan.; and by three nieces and a nephew.

His brother, Dennis, predeceased him in 2015.

Rob was beloved by many friends, colleagues, students and parishioners. He touched lives everywhere he went.

A funeral service for Rob will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 123 E. Market St., Iowa City. A luncheon will be held at the church directly after the service. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, 2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City. Rob will be interred on Sunday, Feb. 14, at Zion Presbyterian Cemetery in Schapville, Ill., where a commendation service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. A more complete obituary can be found on the funeral home website along with an opportunity to leave a message of support or memory for Rob's family at www.gayandciha.com.