Robert Wellendorf

ROBERT WELLENDORF

Lansing

Robert "Bob" Wellendorf, 68, of Lansing, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 18, 2019. Bob was a lifelong resident of Lansing. He was born on Nov. 28, 1950, the third-born son of Bernard (Sonny) and Frances Rita (Curtin) Wellendorf.

Bob attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated in 1969 from Kee High School in Lansing. Bob attended and graduated from North Iowa Community College in Mason City and continued with his education, graduating from Winona State University in Winona, Minn. Bob's first teaching position was teaching the lower grades in Stacyville, Iowa. He then obtained a teaching position at Kee High School, teaching classes in the high school along with coaching. Additionally, Bob taught driver education and enjoyed his one-on-one time conversing with the student drivers on their assigned driving along the scenic Mississippi River route. Bob loved the trips across the Black Hawk Bridge and remarked that he needed to convince his students that they could really drive over the bridge as the car tires hummed to the sound of the steel deck of the bridge.

Bob served as athletic director at Kee High from August 1996 until his retirement in August 2010. Bob loved his career as a teacher, mentor, coach, confidant and true friend who encouraged the students to set their goals high and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

Bob always was on the go with something related to ball - baseball, basketball, football or golf. Bob spent many hours at the baseball diamond, helping young aspiring baseball players to hold the bat, stand correctly, swing across home plate and "run fast and watch the ball." If there was a game, Bob always was in attendance to provide support to his Kee Hawks.

Bob worked at the Model Bakery owned by his father and later by his now-deceased brother, Jim. He arrived before his school day started and assisted with frying donuts and twists, along with packaging and preparing the daily bread delivery to the Kee High lunch room.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father; and his oldest brother, Jim. He is survived by his brother, Daniel Wellendorf, his sister, Janann (Jim) Anderson; his sister-in-law, Patty Wellendorf; eight nieces and nephews; along with many extended family members.

Bob was kind, patient and understanding with all those with whom he interacted.

A Mass will be offered for the repose of Bob's soul on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at 9 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing, Iowa. Funeral services are being scheduled for later date and will be held in Lansing, Iowa.

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