Robert D. Hartzler

CORALVILLE ? Robert Dean Hartzler, 73, died Saturday, April 8, 2017, in the Bird House Hospice of Johnson County in Iowa City.

Family will greet friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 22, at Lensing?s Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Road in Coralville, with a celebration of life service at 12:30 p.m. According to Mr. Hartzler?s request, his body has been donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine Deeded Body Program. Memorials may be directed to the Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County, or to a charity of the donor?s choice.

Mr. Hartzler was born Oct. 10, 1943, in Wellman, the son of Jesse and Ada (Schrock) Hartzler. He married Charlene Bush on Aug. 20, 1966, in Wellman.

He graduated from Mid-Prairie High School, Northwest Missouri State University, Truman State University and Drake University, with a doctorate in education. He was a teacher and coach in Muscatine and Maquoketa. In 1978 he became an administrator in Ankeny, serving as assistant superintendent of schools from 1987-2004. During his professional career, he was honored as Teacher of the Year at Muscatine High twice; Central Office Administrator of the Year for Iowa; Outstanding Drake Alumni; and a graduate of Leadership Iowa. Throughout his successful career, he earned the respect and admiration of his peers. Most of all, he was devoted to his family. He was known for being a caring person and a man of integrity, leadership and great character, and for his sense of humor and his personable smile and interest in others. He was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. His favorite hobbies were performance cars, travel, golf, and rock ?n? roll.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Char; one daughter, Leah Greif and husband Mike of Cedar Rapids; one son, Ryan Hartzler of Arvada, Colorado; two grandsons; two brothers, Victor and wife Marlene, and Dale and wife Meg; one sister, Orpha Yoder and husband Dick; one sister-in-law, Elinor Hartzler and husband Orval; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Maurice, and Orval; and one sister, LaVerne Wolfer.