"In 2004, I was newly retired from the Air Force and a student at ILCC and Bob would sit and talk with me in the chow hall at school. He helped me ease into the new life away from the military. He didn't have to do it but he did."
In loving memory of
Robert J. Roethler
June 3, 1945 - February 8, 2015
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 27th at the funeral home. There is a block of rooms reserved at the Super 8 in Emmetsburg for anyone traveling in. The block will be held until February 22nd.
"Wrestling helped save my life during the winter of 1978-79, The will to overcome personal health adversity and the fight to maintain life came from an attitude that I developed from the sport."
- Bob Roethler
Robert Joseph Roethler, Sr., 69, of Emmetsburg, IA died on Sunday, February 8th, 2015 at Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg of complications due to pneumonia.
Bob was born on June 3, 1945 in Elkader, Iowa. He was the oldest child of William and Edna (Olson) Roethler. Growing up in Elkader, IA, Bob had a farm background, and his hard work made him physically fit to become a wrestler. There were no youth programs back then, and he did not start to wrestle until his freshman year in high school where he was placed on the varsity squad. At Central Elkader High School he fell in love with wrestling and then continued his career at Loras College in Dubuque where he placed third in the NAIA Division. Bob loved the sport because it was a contact sport and taught him how to compete individually and as a team member. After graduating from Loras, he started his coaching/teaching career at St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge in 1967. It was there that Bob met and fell in love with Kathleen Marie Kersten. The two were married on June 28, 1969. Bob taught American History and led the Gaels to a 37-17-1 mark in five seasons at the school. In 1972 Bob earned his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Truman State University. That same year Bob and Kathleen moved to Emmetsburg where Bob became the middle school guidance counselor and assumed control of the Emmetsburg wrestling program. His teams authored a 77-7-1 record, and Bob guided the E-Hawks to four consecutive state titles from 1976-79.
Bob's life suddenly changed while at practice in 1978 when he suffered a brain aneurysm and a postoperative stroke. Three months of intensive therapy followed, where he regained the use of his left leg; but the effects produced paralysis in his left arm. Using the lessons he learned and taught on and off the mat, Bob was able to overcome his physical adversity. His incredible strength of character and determination made him -- like his wrestlers -- a real winner in life. One of Bob's proudest moments came when he was able to return to wrestling and watch his team win their fourth state championship at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines. From 1985 to 1991 Bob was the guidance counselor, athletic director, and head wrestling coach at Graettinger High School. His record there was 22-20-0. While at Graettinger and for many years after, he was a volunteer coach for the Armstrong-Ringsted little kids wrestling program. In 2002, Bob became the housing coordinator for Iowa Lakes Community College, Emmetsburg campus. He continued to volunteer as a coaching assistant for the Emmetsburg program until his death.
Bob was named the Class 2A Coach-of-the-Year in 1977; was inducted into the IHSAA Wrestling Hall-of-Fame in 1991; and, in 1998 was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Ok. In 2010, Bob was selected to be a 'Grand March Escort' at the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament, he was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in Cresco, IA and received National Wrestling Hall of Fame "Medal of Courage" award.
Bob was a valiant man who endured incredible challenges and achieved great accomplishments in the face of adversity. His perseverance as a teacher and wrestling coach were extraordinary and inspiring. Bob is a shining example of courage to all of us, and we will always remember his resolute dedication to doing his best under the most difficult circumstances.
Bob is survived by his Wife Kathy (Kathleen Kersten) Roether, son Robert Roethler (Nicol), Grandchildren Emma and Mason, of Johnston, IA, Brother William (Billy) Roethler (Debbie) of Davenport, IA, Sister Katherine Anne Pahlas (Tom) of Plainfield, Il , sister-in-law MaryLee Kersten-Day of Grundy Center, IA, brother-in-law Thomas Joseph Kersten (Joan) of Portland, OR, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Edna (Olson) and William Roethler of Elkader, IA, his sister Beverly and her husband Jack Stence of Elkader, IA
Tributes
"Kathy and Robert, My heart goes out to you and want you to know how sad I was to here about Bob's passing. He was an inspiration to me and I always loved to visit with him when I saw him in town. I never forget when I was about 11 or 12 years old, he told me that I had the talent to be good at anything I put my mind to, which meant a lot coming from someone who had accomplished so much. He was a great man, friend, and mentor. I will miss seeing his big smile and receiving his strong handshake. I am so very blessed to have known him."
"Thoughts and prayers to you Mrs. Roehtler and your family. Coach was a great man and will be missed. My mother, Anne Hurlbut wanted to send her condolences as well, as she is thinking about you and family. Sincerely, Mike Wilson"
"I was a student in the East Dorm at Iowa Lakes in Emmetsburg. Bob was our friend and looked after us. He was a very nice man and I will never forget him....Scot Semler, Hampton, Iowa"
"I first met Bob when I was the Sports Director at KICD and he took the wrestling job in Emmetsburg. Bob took high school wrestling to another level in NW IA and in the state. He was one of the best coaches to ever sit along side the mat. His everyday determination was remarkable, just like his coaching record. Dave Potratz"
"I love reading about the memories everyone shared. It's been 45 years but I still remember going to those HS wrestling meets and how intense Coach Roethler was. He really made wrestling (a new sport for me at the time) a fun event. He also made my history class fun. Even got an "A" on one of his assignments, and that didn't happen very often. He will be sorely missed by the class of 69. "
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends at the loss of this great man and coach. Thanks for all.... Luca Kremer ( exchange student) Berlin and family"
"We are so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a special first cousin to us. We have many fond memories of spending time with him on the farm. His wrestling career was inspirational. May you find peace in knowing we share in your loss. Billy, Cathy, Kathy, Robert and families you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Colleen, Pat, Mike, Sheila Geraghty"
"To Bob's family and friends, I had the first hand knowledge and pleasure to work for Bob as a wrestling manager during his St. Edmond's era, we were together 1969-70 and 1970-71. What a true and honest coach and friend he was to all involved in the sport of wrestling and life. He made boys turn to young men as if it were easy, not by doing the training but becoming so involved in each one's daily grind or rituals. He pushed or strives for his men to achieve for ones best, by never letting up as if he were right there becoming your friend and shadow-mate. I will always remember those two years and more because he made me feel like a man that mattered. What a great guy and a great coach !! He will be missed. Thanks coach "
"My condolences to the Roethler family on the passing of Bob. Friendly, kind, sincere and positive, are just a few of the words you could use to describe Bob. Bob was a gentleman and a class act in every way! Again my most sincere condolences to the family of Bob. "
"Bob was neither a teacher or coach of mine as he was with many. Rather - Bob was a man I crossed paths with numerous times. He always called me "Mike" and I, out of respect - called him "Coach" - because he earned it. The word "quit" was never in his vocabulary. We lost a good man. Heaven now has a head wresting coach. God's Speed "Coach". Prayers to Kathy and Robert. Celebrate his life. "
"Coach, You will always be a hero to me. I will forever remember you as someone who fought through adversity, but soldiered on like a true champion. I am truly blessed for having known you. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. "
"Kathy and family, I was so sad to hear of the passing of Bob. My memories are fond ones when we visited my grandparents ( Mike and Liz Hurley) in Elkader and often stopped at the Roethler farm to visit Bill and Edna. All of us kids would have a great time playing and visiting. "
"God Bless you, Kathy and Robert"
"Sorry for your loss. I new Robert when I was a wrestling coach at Sheldon from 1969-1976. Robert and I became friends and competitors through our sport we both loved. Robert will be not forgotten."
"Kathy and Robert...I can't put into words how Bob effected my life in such a positive way. From athlete, throughout life's challenges and even in my life today...what an inspiration he has been for me. He will be missed. God Bless Kevin and Christie Kauffman"
"When I think of Bob, I start to smile and laugh. He always greeted us with a smile and he would find something to make us laugh. My memories include their wedding, Rochester, our family gatherings and a lot of fun. His strength was amazing and he was an inspiration to all. He will always be remembered."
"Kathy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man and an inspiration to both Lindsey and I in our years at Emmetburg and Graettinger Schools. We cherish the moments that we spent with him both on and off the mat. He inspired us in so many ways and we are honored to call him a friend. "
"Bob and I were great friends in High School. The memories will be everlasting. We spent many hours on the football field, in the classroom, and lots of laughs with his family and other friends. He will remain a part of my life."
"To Kathy and Robert my condolences"
"Dear Roethler Family (esp. Kathy Pahlas), So sorry for your loss. I had a moment a few years ago to greet Bob when he was back at Central School to receive the Alumni of the Year award. So nice to see him and know he was recognized by his home HS. He was truly a great guy and left a wonderful legacy. My condolences. "
"I remember the first day I came to visit Iowa Lakes Community College Emmetsburg Campus and met Bob, I was a little nervous, but Bob made me feel right at home, he was always so nice and welcoming everytime I saw him. May you ever rest in peace Bob "
"Dear Kathy and Robert~ Aunt LaVonne and family send our sincere sympathy in this time of sadness. Bob was a great guy and clearly an inspiration to so many throughout his time coaching and teaching. I personally feel fortunate to have spent the day with Kathy, Bob, my Mom and other close relatives not too long ago - great memories of a happy, smiling Bob! "
"Our heartfelt condolences to the Roethler family. I remember bumping into Coach Roether at least 25 years after I graduated, he knew my name and asked about my family - a remarkable man and an inspiration to many. God Bless."
"So sorry to hear about Bob. I was the head wrestling coach in Spencer from 1970 - 1976. It was always fun to coach and compete against Bob's teams because his teams were always well coached and prepared to wrestle. Plus, we always had great conversation before and after the meets. Wrestling could not have had a better ambassador for the sport. Our grandsons now have the privilege of being coached by his son, Robert. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Kathy, Robert and family, My deepest sympathy to you. Bob was an incredible man who always took the time to talk, usually had a joke to tell, and ask about my son. He truly was an inspiration to us all. May the memories remain in your hearts. God Bless. "
"We will - each of us - have our fond and favorite memories of Bob. He was a great teacher, coach and example of courage to all his students, parents, co-workers and friends. So very sorry for your loss"
"Bob is among my many fond memories of the years I taught and coached in Emmettsburg. Those were the times before Bob's health took a turn. I remember him as an intense competitor and dedicated coach. They were good times. Randy & Kathy Northrop"
"Kathy, both you and Bob have been such an inspiration to so many of us with your courage and triumphant attitudes of "never give up!" Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Bob was the nicest human being one could ever meet. He always had time to stop and visit with a personal greeting sparked by an infectious smile that let you know you were important to him. He was a difference maker in many lives."
"I first met Bob as a student at Iowa Lakes. He always had a smile and a hello. During one of our visits, we discovered we had a common interest-wrestling. My sons wrestled in high school and he wrestled and coached. From that day on, we always found the time to share a memory or two. After I graduated, I had the privilege of working at Iowa Lakes and working with Bob. I will never forget his kindness and interest in others. My sympathies to his family."
"I lived across the street from Bob and Kathy for over 30 years. Oh the memories; everything from the run away lawn mower incident to the snow blower episode, and my favorite - the bottlerockets in the garage. If half the people in this world, worked half as hard as Bob did at enjoying life, just think about how great this world would be. "
"Kathy and Robert: You folks as a wrestling family influenced more lives for the better than can be counted. Coach prepared his wrestlers well, but you folks were his inspiration. We extend sincere condolences, and express our admiration for your part in Coach's life being well-lived. Bill&Marcie Frevert"
"Bob was a truly amazing coach and teacher I was so truly blessed to have him not only as a teacher and person on the mat teaching me and guiding me but also as a friend. Even after high school was over we would run into one another from time to time and he would always have the same smile on his face to greet you with. May his memory live on in the Emmetsburg School and the Graettinger School... "
"It was an honor to have been in Bob's presence. When I was young I knew him as "that coach from Emmetsburg". When I had boys of my own wrestling, Bob made them feel proud when he would try to "recruit" them to Emmetsburg. I told them what an honor it was to have caught Bob's eye. We talked frequently at tournaments and he had the most indomitable spirit. If Bob could persevere then no one has a good reason to quit or feel sorry for themselves. One of the greats. "
"What a wonderful man and Coach Bob was. We have been friends since my Carroll Kuemper days. Bob will be missed by countless fans of the great sport of wrestling, he was a man of courage. Bob was a special person to many people and that is what he will be remembered for. "
"Bob was always so positive and upbeat. I'm sorry for your loss but will always look back on the happy times we spent visiting Emmetsburg or sitting on the dock in Okoboji. "
"Kathy, You know what a hero 'Coach' was to me. We go way back to St Edmonds 1969 when he told me if I wanted to pass his History class, I'd be wrestling heavyweight for him; he was a 'motivator' even then! I always admired Bob and remember the last time we talked was on the special passenger train that you and Coach rode in Emmetsburg. I will be forever grateful for what he did for me and hope that you may find comfort knowing that while you hold his memory in your heart, God holds him in His keeping."
"Bob I will forever remember the effort You took to help take Northwest Iowa Wrestling To the heights achieved. It touches me to know the Commitment and Sacrifice put forth as a wrestler , coach and friend of wresting to make young men's dreams a reality. The true joy in coaching wrestling is the lives touched , and the friends made along the way. Wrestling people are the greatest on earth , Thank You for being one of them.. Gary Bergmann "
"I am so sorry that Bob passed on. He was my history teacher, a great guy. Kathy, my prayers are with Bob, you and your family. "
"Bob was such a role model! When my son Ridge, wrestled for the E Hawks, we met him and he was such an inspiration to others. Heaven just got another angel. "
"I am sorry for your loss and know that Bob will certainly be missed. He was always such a positive person to be around and he never missed a chance to encourage me to take it to the next level - this is probably why Bob and my dad got along so well. "
"Bob was always brave, witty, uncomplaining and an amazing worker. He was strong physically, mentally and emotionally - it is an honor to have known him. We are forever grateful to Kathleen for taking such good card of him. "
"Bob always had words of wisdom, encouraging words, or a smile to share. It was always a pleasure to see him and he will be missed by the entire wrestling community. Thanks and RIP Bob!!"
"Bob befriended me and always said hi ,he was complimentary and positive of the of all wrestlers. he played the cards he was dealt in life. And did he live life! God Bless steve moore, okoboji "
"Our sympathies and prayers go out to all of you. May happy memories and lessons Bob shared with all of us stay with and guide you."
"RIP Bob. I knew Bob as a school counselor that would go to the mat for students. He worked thru all of his physical adversity and with a positive attitude. The lives he has touched cannot be counted!"
"Bob gave my football officiating crew our first varsity game 28 years ago. We will always be thankful for his faith in a bunch of young kids at the time RIP Bob"
"Kathy and Robert, so many memories I am not sure where to begin. Bob was such an important part of our lives when Dennie started wrestling. He not only coached and help Dennie, but he helped me, along with Kathy, understand and love the sport of Wrestling. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"Coach Roehler - RIP. You made a positive lasting impression on me. Thank you. Former wrestler: Graettinger-Amrstrong-Ringsted Wresting, Neil Verbrugge."
"Kathy and Family, Thank you for sharing Coach Roethler with all of us! He was a great motivation for all of us to be the best you can be. I was lucky to have had him as a coach and mentor. God bless."
"Our sympathy goes out to Bob's family. He was an amazing man with an amazing gift of inspiring young people to be the best they could be not only in wrestling but in life! While we are shedding many tears now we don't have to reminisce too much to remember how he made such a powerful impact on our lives. God bless you! You are in our prayers!
"
"I loved to watch him work with the wrestling team. He was such an uplifting and positive coach as well as one of the biggest role models. I'm glad my dad and family got the chance to share his passion for wrestling! We spent a lot of late nights on the wrestling mats and long weekends together as a wrestling family! We're going to miss you Bob! God gained a great angel today! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Love you Kathy and family!"
"The Roethler family has my deepest condolences. I am sending you wishes of strength during this difficult time. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Bob was a wonderful man and will be thoroughly missed by all whose lives he touched. "
"Kathy and family Bob always had a smile whenever I would see him and most of those times were at the hospital for one reason or another..he always asked about my family and how we were doing no matter how he felt...try to remember the happy times Kathy... and I want you to know how proud you can be for the years you have been such a great helper for Bob...Life can be good if you want it to be...God bless."
"Kathleen, most special prayers and wishes to you now. I am just too numb to say much else yet. Our hearts are with you."
"Thoughts and prayers with your family. Bob was a good guy and will be missed by all. Ron and Richelle Larson (Mallard)"
"Many of the life lessons he taught me are now being passed down to my own children and students. Due to that, Bob will never be gone from our minds/hearts. Thanks Bob."
"Most of us have not had the personal health adversities you had,but we can all learn from the attitude you displayed at all times,even in the worst of times.You never forgot a name or faceand was always eager to hear what was going on in each and everyones'life. I never seen you without a smile on your face,and a twinkle in your eye. Thanks Bob " You were one of a kind" Let the much deserved Eternal rest be granted to you."
"We are very saddened by Bob's passing. I always enjoyed our conversations during our patient to provider time. Bob always had such an upbeat attitude even during his time of adversity. He will be missed. Sending our sincere condolences during this difficult time to you, Kathy, and your family. "
"After losing my state finals match, I came up to see my parents. Sitting in Vet's next to my parents were Coach, Kathy and Robert. I was really down, but when I saw Coach he immediately congratulated me!!! Started telling Robert (6 or 7??) how great my accomplishment was?!?! As a little guy, Robert's enthusiasm in the medal was really cool. I felt better, and Coach became in my mind a great encourager. "
"Our sympathy to Kathy & son. Lloyd always enjoyed chatting for a few minutes with Bob at wrestling meets. He commented about not seeing him at Milford Saturday."
"Bob was the master of facing life with courage and determination. The sight of him climbing a ladder with paint brush and bucket in hand showed that. Rest well, Bob."
"Mr. Roethler was a great teacher on the mat and off. He helped my mom and I through the process of applying for college. He was an influence on us all. "
"Bob was an exceptional person who contributed so much to this community and touched so many lives through the years. There was never a time I saw him that we would not stop and chat for a while. Very sad to hear of his passing, he battled through tough circumstance for a long time and is in a good place now to be sure. Will chat again Bob."
"Bob was such a sincere, kind, and caring man. He listened and guided. I have wonderful memories of our time working together at Graettinger School. Thinking of you Kathy and RJ ! "
"We send our sincere condolences during this difficult time. I really enjoyed working with Bob on the school staff. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers."
"This may be the longest tribute in history. Or, if there is a character limit, the most confusing one. Bob was always more than a coach to me. I admired him immensely. Although it has been about 40 years since I wrestled for him, I often think (and dream) about him. He left a lasting impression on my conscious (and apparently my subconscious). There are a few memories I have of him wresting: He was the worst teller of time. He would be having us run-in-place after practice and he would say "One more minute". In 60 seconds he would say "30 more seconds", and so forth. His final "minute" was about 300 seconds. I made a bad decision of staying out late one weekend during wresting season and got in a little trouble. The next Tuesday we had a meet. Bob always had the wrestlers come in (one at a time) and he would hand you your uniform and give you a 1 sentence pep talk. That day he just quietly said "Do we want Joe (my dad) to know what you did this weekend? I said "No". He said "So you will be doing a bit more running tomorrow after practice, won't you". I said "Yes". I have never figured out how he knew. He liked to get you confident, but not too. If you were wrestling a state champion, he would make you believe you could beat him. If you were wrestling the worst person in the conference, he would make you believe he might beat you. One time Bob was quoted, in the paper, saying "I wish I had 100 Molloys". I got razzed for that, but, coming from him, it was about the best compliment I could get. When he came to my Mom's funeral, he said "Molloy, you look like you could still wrestle 126." This is noteworthy on a number of accounts: 1) He CAME to my mom's funeral, 2) He remembered at what weight I wrestled, 3) I was 50 years old, and that was quite a complement. When I was wrestling, Bob was in great shape. He used to put his singlet on and wrestle with the team in practice. He would mix it up with the 98 lb kids all the way to heavyweights. And he did not know the meaning of "cranking the intensity down", even if he had 100 lbs on you. Since I have graduated, every time I saw Bob he looked genuinely happy to see me. I was always happy to see him. God bless you Bob and may your clock in heaven have as many seconds as you want. "
"Mom and I are saddened with your passing. You were such a wonderful man and we'll miss you. Rest in peace coach. Prayers and sent to you Kathy and the family from us"
"Coach Roethler always made it a point to ask how my Dad, and family were doing. Coach shared similar life experiences with my Dad. They had a mutual respect."
"Mr.Roethler was simply a NICE GUY & an inspiration to us all.He helped all of our kids with his guidance and example.May he RIP."
"Bob touched a lot of lives through teaching, and coaching...but he touched mine through one HOT summer of painting houses in Fort Dodge while I was still in college. Lots of lasting memories, and too many laughs to recount. God bless him and my sincere sympathy to all of your family!"
"Rest easy coach, you where an inspiration to anyone who knew you. "
"Bob's attitude for life will missed. A true inspiration of how to fight adversity. RIP Bob"
"Sending our deepest sympathies."
"Mr. Roethler was a man of inspiration and of great will power. I feel blessed to have gotten to know him over the years. He has touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. May his strength and wisdom carry on in all who got to know him."
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing! He was a great example for so many people, young and old alike, of how to overcome adversity and keep following your dreams and passions!! He was a great wrestling coach and I'm glad I got a chance to know him while employed at Emmetsburg Comm. Schools! He will leave a huge hole in your hearts and in the community, but may he rest in peace."