Russell, Robert C. 'Bob'

Robert C. “Bob” Russell, 87, of rural Iowa City, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City following a short illness. A visitation for family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Graveside services will follow at Ridgewood Cemetery in North Liberty.

Memorial donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment, c/o Shirley A. Freeman, 106 Maple Circle, Waverly, IA 50677-4383.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at

Bob was born May 11, 1922, near North Liberty, Iowa, the son of C.A. “Pete” and Ruth A. (Horn) Russell. He graduated with the class of 1940 from Iowa City High School. In the early years of World War II he spent two years working on the construction of the Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Highway. He later served during World War II in the Army Air Corps. Bob married Dorothy E. Crossett of Iowa City on Nov. 27, 1942, in Hannibal, Mo.

Returning to this area, he worked at the University of Iowa Physics Department machine shop for many years and helped build the satellite used by Dr. James Van Allen to discover the Van Allen Radiation Belts. Bob later worked in the Psychology Department's shop.

Bob loved the outdoors as demonstrated by his many years of service and dedication to the Izaak Walton League of America in many different capacities. He loved to design and build his own camping trailers and pickup campers with which he and his family traveled throughout the United States and Canada visiting numerous national, state, and county parks on their many journeys.

Bob's family includes his wife of over 66 years, Dorothy; daughter, Robin (Thomas) Walker of Franklin, Ohio; son, Michael Russell of Iowa City; and grandchildren, Amber Russell of Vicksburg, Miss., Jason Russell of Iowa City and Shea (Walter) Vanheel of Iowa City.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bob's family and his services.